Tbilisi court orders pre-trial detention for ex-PM Gakharia in absentia

A Tbilisi court has ordered pre-trial detention in absentia for former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who now leads the For Georgia opposition political party. The decision was announced by judge Davit Kurtanidze after prosecutors requested the measure - a motion the court fully upheld.

Gakharia is facing criminal charges related to the protests of 20-21 June 2019 and the Chorchana police post incident near the occupation line, including allegations of organising the intentional infliction of serious bodily harm on more than two people during protests near the parliament building. Prosecutors also accused him of abuse of power while holding high political office. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 13 years in prison.

A second case involving Gakharia - specifically tied to the dispersal of the 20 June 2019 protest - remains under judicial consideration. The court is expected to decide on an additional pre-trial measure later today at 20:00.

The Prosecutor’s Office announced earlier that it had initiated criminal proceedings against the former prime minister in connection with both episodes.