Photographers arrested in Georgia on suspicion of espionage

GEORGIAN president Mikhail Saakashvili's personal photographer was arrested yesterday on suspicion of espionage, along with his wife and two other photographers.

The interior ministry said Irakli Gedenidze was arrested with his wife, Natia, plus Zurab Kurtsikidze of the European Pressphoto Agency and foreign ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze. They were accused of providing information to an unspecified foreign country to the detriment of Georgia's interests.

Journalists and supporters held a rally outside the interior ministry building in Tbilisi where the photographers were being held.

Several people have been convicted recently by Georgian courts on charges of spying for Russia.