Former Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who went into opposition to President Mikhael Saakashvili, was detained in Tbilisi yesterday. He is accused under 4 articles of the Georgian Penal Code: extortion, money laundering, abuse of authority and office negligence.

September 27 evening a skirmish between the police and Okruashvili's supporters took place at the office of opposition party "Movement for United Georgia" led by the former Defense Minister.

As result, 10 people were detained.

The party premises were searched and blocked by the police.

Today several opposition parties are going to hold a rally at the parliament building to demand extra presidential and parliamentary elections.

Okruashvili's supporters commented on his arrest. "I and several other party fellows were in the office discussing plans for the future. At that time some 100 policemen, mostly in masks, rushed into the building. To avoid misunderstanding and provocations, Okruashvili asked us and the guards to keep calm. He surrendered to the police without resistance," MP Giya Tsagareyshvili told Imedi TV company.

According to former chief of the Georgian general staff, general Levan Nikoleyshvili, "policemen were awkward to arrest Okruashvili," Russian media reports.

Earlier, Irakli Okruashvili accused President Saakashvili of organizing the murder of well-known businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili.