Lawyer: Khabeishvili links his arrest to ‘fear’ triggered by his plans inside Georgian Dream

Boris Chele Kurua, lawyer for United National Movement Chair Levan Khabeishvili, said his client believes his arrest was tied to fears within the ruling Georgian Dream party over his statements and political plans.

“Khabeishvili links his arrest to the fear that his statements and initiatives caused in the Georgian Dream. He says that those who did not believe him before should now, at least, have doubts after his arrest - that something is happening and that they are afraid of him,” Kurua told reporters.

The lawyer argued that Khabeishvili’s detention has nothing to do with justice.

“Fear explains everything. As a lawyer, I can tell you that in this case, the goals of justice have nothing to do with it. You cannot imprison a politician simply because he promised something to the public. Ultimately, Georgian Dream is using the courts, the police, and in this case, especially the State Security Service, to go after its opponents,” Kurua said.

He added that while new charges might be brought against Khabeishvili, he doubts the allegations will hold up.

“They might add new charges, but given the context in which Khabeishvili was arrested, I do not think the accusations will be proven. As his lawyer, I will wait to see the charges and the evidence the State Security Service presents,” he concluded.