Georgian minister renews attacks

Matthew Collin
BBC News, Tbilisi

Mr Okruashvili's remarks will inspire further opposition to the president

The former Georgian Defence Minister, Irakli Okruashvili, has dramatically renewed his attacks on the country's president, Mikhail Saakashvili.

Mr Okruashvili's earlier allegations of corruption against the president and subsequent arrest were the catalyst for the recent mass protests in Georgia.

He retracted his allegations after his arrest, but now says he was forced to do so by the Georgian authorities.

His latest remarks will encourage the opposition to continue its campaign.

Mr Okruashvili had accused President Saakashvili of leading a corrupt government and demanding the murder of a political opponent.

The former defence minister was then himself arrested on corruption charges.

After confessing, he was released on bail and left the country, but he now says he only confessed under pressure and that all his allegations were true.

'Blackmail'

His arrest led the Georgian opposition to unite and organise the largest anti-government protests since President Saakashvili came to power.

A close ally of the Georgian president described Mr Okruashvili as a liar.

The former minister was speaking from Germany, where he says he is a political refugee.

His televised interview was relayed on a huge screen for thousands of protesters outside the Georgian parliament.

They are calling for early elections and for Mr Saakashvili to resign.

The president has said he will not give in to blackmail.

But the latest dramatic intervention by his former defence minister is likely to make the opposition more determined to continue its campaign.