Wife claims ex-official Akhalaia was being charged without lawyer present, calling it intimidation

Ani Nadareishvili, spouse of former Defence Minister Bachana Akhalaia, has said that the former minister was being informed of charges without his lawyer present, describing the process as an attempt to intimidate others.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Nadareishvili said “from the day of his arrest, statements have been circulated, but only after a closed session recording leaked did the investigation actually begin. If a crime had been committed, prosecutors and the judge present at the session should have initiated an investigation immediately, but they did not. This was done intentionally because they are afraid - afraid of public opinion across Georgia. This is clearly an effort to intimidate others.”

She added that she was called by the investigator and asked to attend as Akhalaia’s lawyer, but was not allowed to enter, saying “they are informing the accused of charges without defense counsel present, which violates my rights as a lawyer. I have already contacted the Bar Association’s chair and hope they will issue a statement.”

The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Akhalaia with calling for the violent change of the constitutional order and the overthrow of state authorities, relating to remarks he made on 16 February during an open session at the Tbilisi City Court. Under the law, he faces up to three years in prison if convicted.