Verdict expected today in high-profile drug case against Georgian doctor Giorgi Akhobadze

 A verdict is expected this afternoon in the closely watched case of Georgian doctor Giorgi Akhobadze, who has been charged with a serious drug offence and could face up to 20 years or life in prison if convicted.

The ruling will be delivered at 16:00 local time at Tbilisi City Court, following an eight-month trial that has drawn public and media attention, particularly due to Akhobadze’s arrest during anti-government protests.

Akhobadze was detained on 7 December 2024 and is charged under Article 260, Part 6 of Georgia’s Criminal Code - which pertains to the illegal purchase and possession of large quantities of narcotic substances. The charge carries a sentence of 8 to 20 years, or in some cases, life imprisonment.

His lawyer, Lasha Tsutskiridze, said today that all procedural steps have been completed and the only remaining step is for the judge to announce the final decision.

“For the past eight months, we have presented everything possible in Giorgi’s defence,” Tsutskiridze told reporters. “We strongly believe we have shown that he is innocent.”

The case has sparked protests and concern among supporters and medical professionals, who view the charges as politically motivated and disproportionate.