Georgian militant released

Shota Chichiashvili, a militant who spent 8 years in prison, has been pardoned, Interfax cites Prosecutor General Archil Kbilashvili.

Chichiashvili used to be a member of the special forces. He was dismissed and he moved to the Alazani River in the Pankisi Gorge. He is responsible for kidnapping members of the International Red Cross, a British businessman, Spanish businessmen, a Georgian priest and a member of the special forces.

The militant was put on the wanted list in 2001. He moved to Russia and was detained two years after. Georgian Minister for State Security Valery Khaburdzania thanked Russia for his extradition.

Chichashvili got 22 years of prison in 2005.