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Georgia's lawyers today elected a new chairman known for his willingness to act for those persecuted by the regime of Mikheil Saakashvili and rejected the candidate identified as the regime's favourite.

Zaza Khatiashvili, the new chairman, who has acted for defendants in human rights cases and is currently representing Natia Siradze - one of the defence lawyers in the "Mukhrovani" trial who was arrested as the prosecution case stumbled - beat Tbilisi lawyer for the firm "Business and Legal Consulting", and regime favourite, Keti Kvartskhava for the job and will now be the leading voice for the legal profession in Georgia.

Kvartskhava reportedly topped the first round of voting a week ago but faced Khatiashvili in a run-off today. The winner will now serve a four year term.

Strengthening the legal profession is seen as a key part of ending the notorious level of political interference in Georgia's courts and has been supported by international aid donors. Khatiashvili's victory, which was reportedly greeted with an ovation in the hall where the election was taking place, may be a sign that lawyers are increasingly willing to resist the government's manipulation of the courts.