Court orders closed-door hearings in corruption case against ex-PM Garibashvili

Court hearings in the corruption case against former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili will be held behind closed doors after Tbilisi City Court granted the prosecution’s request to exclude the public from the proceedings.

Garibashvili, who attended Monday’s hearing, opposed the prosecution’s motion, calling the case politically motivated and based on “false allegations”.

“I oppose this motion and object to holding the hearing behind closed doors. I want the public to hear the truth - this is a politically motivated case based on defamation. It is very important that the proceedings be conducted publicly and transparently so that society can see the groundlessness of the charges. I categorically oppose this motion and ask the court not to grant it,” Garibashvili said.

The ongoing proceedings at Tbilisi City Court concern corruption charges against the former prime minister. Prosecutors accuse him of accepting a particularly large bribe, an offence punishable by 11 to 15 years in prison.