Ruling party MP defends court decision in opposition leader Khosh­taria case

Giorgi Gabunia, chair of parliament’s culture committee, has defended the court’s handling of the case involving opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, saying it should be viewed strictly in legal terms.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Gabunia said Georgia is a rule-of-law state and violations of the law were met with appropriate consequences. He stressed that sentencing decisions take into account several factors, including a defendant’s attitude towards the offence.

Gabunia noted Khoshtaria did not acknowledge the charges, cooperate with the investigation, compensate for damages, or express remorse. “When a judge is faced with such circumstances, the decision is based both on the individual and their attitude to the crime,” he said.

Gabunia added that repeated offences can influence sentencing, noting that attempts to frame the case as politically motivated amount to “pure speculation”. He also dismissed arguments related to Khoshtaria’s family status, saying individuals are responsible for complying with the law regardless of personal circumstances.