The United States Government is closely following the cases of arrest and detention of former senior Georgian officials, including former Prime Minister Merabishvili. We have stressed to the Georgian government the importance we attach to ensuring that such investigations and prosecutions are conducted with full respect for due process and the rule of law - including the presumption of innocence -- and avoiding the perception or reality of political retribution. This is particularly true with respect to a politically-sensitive case such as the arrest of a former prime minister. We note the open access to pre-trial court hearings, including detention hearings, and to trial proceedings to both Georgian and international observers, and we encourage continued transparency. We believe that pre-trial detention should be imposed in accordance with Georgian law where there is a clear justification, and in accordance with relevant international and European guidelines and commitments.