Gakharia says Berlin stay linked to criminal investigations in Georgia

Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the political party Gakharia for Georgia, on Wednesday said his presence in Berlin was due to criminal investigations launched against him in Georgia.

He stressed that all cases carry a potential sentence of 15 years or more.

“The reason I am in Berlin today is the criminal investigations initiated in Georgia. There are already two, and it seems a third will be added. All of these cases carry a 15-year or longer risk, accompanied by direct threats, both publicly and privately, including imprisonment,” Gakharia said.

He pointedly criticised ruling party Founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, claiming that the fate of political figures in Georgia was entirely dependent on his will.

“For me, being under Ivanishvili’s jurisdiction is unjustifiable. It does not matter whether the ‘Dream’ regime arrests me or restricts my movement - the key issue is that any person under his jurisdiction can be arrested whenever he wants. Political activity is severely limited in such conditions. This is the main reason I am here. From Berlin, I can engage in politics much more freely than in Georgia under this jurisdiction,” Gakharia said.

Gakharia also defended his party’s ongoing involvement in local elections, emphasising the team’s cohesion and ability to withstand political pressure. He criticised the opposition for disorganisation, which he said allows the ruling party to maintain control with only 30-35 percent real support.

“Today, due to the weakness and inconsistency of opposition parties, the ruling party manages to control 100 percent of power with only 30-35 percent support, which is enabled by the illogical and impulsive steps of other opposition politicians. The ruling party has succeeded in politically marginalising the opposition,” Gakharia said.