Georgia: Burjanadze Balks at $907,167 Tax Fine

Former Rose Revolution leader Nino Burjanadze is preparing to do battle against the Georgian government over 1.5 million laris (about $907,167) in late fees for taxes due on her residential property outside of Tbilisi.

"We believe the amount charged by the tax department is exaggerated and we have filed a suit against the tax department," Burjanadze's lawyer, Gocha Svanadze, was quoted by Interpressnews as saying.

The hearing has been postponed until July 8.

Burjanadze bought the land and villa, with an estimated value of 12-million laris (about $7.3 million), for one lari in 2008, Imedi television channel reported. Burjanadze, who has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of her former ally, President Mikheil Saakashvili, claimed that the tax fine is a punishment for her criticism of the authorities.

In a separate lawsuit, Burjanadze also disputes the government's recent canceling of state funding for her personal security detail.