Imprisoned Georgian businessman demands court attendance despite hunger strike

Imprisoned Georgian businessman Giorgi Chikvaidze has urged authorities to ensure his physical presence at his upcoming court hearing, despite his “deteriorating health” condition due to a hunger strike.

Chikvaidze, who has been on a complete hunger strike for 13 days, on Monday claimed his condition had worsened significantly. In a letter, he reported losing feeling in his left leg and experiencing worsening vision loss in his left eye.

The businessman also called upon the penitentiary institution to facilitate his presence at the trial “under any circumstances, whether by wheelchair, stretcher, or any other means.”

“Tomorrow, another circus of injustice, the so-called ‘court,’ will take place. I call on the penitentiary institution to ensure my attendance at the trial in the hall, regardless of any reason,” he wrote.

The businessman expressed gratitude to those who have supported him and insisted that his fight would continue. “As physically as I am in this state, I am so strong inside.”

Chikvaidze, who was arrested in a courtroom earlier this month, faces charges of embezzling large sums of money through abuse of office, allegedly in coordination with a group. However, he has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges are politically motivated and linked to his refusal to engage in activities “tied to Russian interests.”

In an interview recorded prior to his arrest with Formula TV, Chikvaidze claimed to possess compromising information against former Georgian Prime Minister and billionaire founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili. He alleged that he had been receiving death threats due to the information he holds.

The businessman also claimed Russian intelligence services had gained near-total access to Georgia’s state institutions, a process he claimed had accelerated in the past six months.

Chikvaidze further assured that if his life was endangered while in prison, his associates would immediately release a collection of audio recordings and other documentation he claimed to possess. He asserted that the materials included intercepted telephone conversations and documents that could have significant repercussions for high-ranking figures.