Bella Culley Released from Georgian Prison
In a surprising turn of events, Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British citizen, was released from a Georgian prison where she had been held on drug trafficking charges. Culley, who is eight months pregnant, expressed that she felt “happy and relieved” upon her unexpected freedom.
Bella Culley’s Legal Journey
Bella Culley was arrested on May 10 after authorities discovered 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish in her luggage at Tbilisi International Airport. Initially, she faced a severe penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
However, thanks to changes in her plea agreement made by prosecutors, her sentence was drastically reduced. According to her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, the decision to release her took into account her young age and pregnancy.
Court Proceedings and Release
During the court session, Culley confirmed her guilty plea regarding the drug trafficking charges. As the judge asked procedural questions, she often exchanged supportive smiles with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, who was visibly emotional throughout the hearing.
- Date of Arrest: May 10
- Weight of Drugs Found: 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish
- Initial Sentence: Up to 20 years
- Family Contribution: £137,000 to reduce sentencing
A Complex Situation
Culley had initially flown to Georgia from Thailand via Sharjah, UAE, and claimed she was coerced into drug trafficking by gangsters who subjected her to torture. Her lawyer mentioned that a separate investigation by Georgian police is ongoing regarding these coercion allegations.
After being held in pre-trial detention, she spent time in tough conditions at Rustavi Prison Number Five before being moved to a “mother and baby” unit.
Next Steps for Bella Culley
With her release, Bella Culley will have her passport returned and is expected to leave the country soon. Her case has raised awareness about the challenges faced by individuals in similar predicaments, particularly young pregnant women involved in international drug trafficking.
The family hopes to provide further details about their experience and the ongoing implications of her situation in the near future.
