Convicted ex-PM Garibashvili: Ivanishvili, government responsible for my and family's safety

Imprisoned former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has said that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and the Georgian government will bear "full responsibility" for the safety of him and his family, while publishing a letter he says details an alleged proposal for a plea agreement.

Garibashvili was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2026 after pleading guilty to money laundering and illegal income, in a case concerning the handling of millions of euros in undeclared funds. He was also ordered to pay a GEL 1 million fine.

In his latest statement on Monday, Garibashvili said he would publish a longer letter on Tuesday explaining his side of the story.

"This letter was sent to me on Bidzina Ivanishvili's instructions. I tried and did everything to avoid taking this step, but unfortunately, I was left with no other choice but to stand against this dishonourable evil, this merciless cruelty, oppression and injustice, and the dirty plan to destroy me and my family," Garibashvili wrote.

"From today, Bidzina Ivanishvili and the entire government bear full responsibility for the safety of me and my family," he added.

Garibashvili also published the letter to which his statement refers. It alleges that several corruption cases were being actively investigated and could result in additional corruption charges.

According to the letter, two options were presented - to fight the cases "seriously and to the end", or accept responsibility for one case under a negotiated plea agreement, including an admission of guilt and testimony from witnesses.

The letter claims that under the proposed agreement, Garibashvili would receive a five-year sentence, with the sentences absorbed into one another, and would be expected to stay out of politics after his release.

It further alleges that if he attempted to return to politics, the corruption conviction he had accepted would serve as a "safeguard" against such a move.