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Ex-Minister Faces Charges

TBILISI — Prosecutors have leveled new accusations against a former Cabinet minister, charging him with illegal imprisonment and torture of 17 servicemen.

Bacho Akhalaia, a former defense and interior minister, was arrested this month for allegedly beating six soldiers in a case his backers say is politically motivated.

A prosecutor said Tuesday that Akhalaia also ordered the abuse of another 17 servicemen who were beaten, locked up and starved for three nights in 2010.

(AP)

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