Tbilisi court to rule on pretrial measures for ex-PM Garibashvili

The Tbilisi City Court is set to deliberate today on pretrial measures against former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who has been charged with large-scale money laundering.

The court hearing is scheduled for 14:00 local time.

Garibashvili has been charged under Article 194, Part 3 (g) of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns the legalization of illicit income involving particularly large profits.

According to the Prosecutor General, the prosecution intends to petition the court within the legally prescribed timeframe to impose bail of 1 million GEL as a preventive measure. The amount may be secured either in cash or through immovable property.

Garibashvili’s lawyer, Amiran Giguashvili, confirmed that the former prime minister acknowledges the charges and will decide himself whether to make a statement during the hearing.

“What you heard at the briefing reflects the facts of the case. As for other matters that I’m sure you’re interested in, we will provide comments after the hearing on the preventive measure,” Giguashvili told reporters.

“Our defense position is as follows: Mr. Irakli Garibashvili acknowledges the charge. He has the right to speak and will decide whether to exercise that right. As a team of defense attorneys, we will coordinate our position and issue a statement accordingly,” he added.