Vano Merabishvili is free

Vano Merabishvili, the former Minister of Internal Affairs, is free. He left the so-called Matrosov prison, where his family members, lawyers, and supporters met him outside.

A former senior law enforcement official got arrested on May 21, 2013.

Merabishvili's sentence consisted of the following cases:

1. The fact of illegal confiscation of Akura winery - 2 years and three months;

2. Hiding evidence in Sandro Girgvliani's case - 3 years;

3. Raid on May 26, 2011 - 4 years and six months;

4. Embezzlement and voter bribery - 5 years;

5. Physical assault on Valeri Gelashvili - 6 years and nine months.

Vano Merabishvili was sentenced to 6 years and nine months in prison as a final punishment.

It is yet unclear which political party the former minister will join, but Merabishvili will return to active politics.