PM Kobakhidze dismisses “speculation” over US-sanctioned former official

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday dismissed speculations regarding the presence of former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze in Georgia, emphasizing ten years had passed since Partskhaladze, sanctioned by the US for alleged links with the Russian intelligence, held the position.

“There is no room for speculation,” Kobakhidze told the press.

Regarding allegations against Partskhaladze, Kobakhidze noted that the Georgian government had demanded evidence from the relevant authorities but received none. “No charges have been brought against him. As for the sanctions, we always request proof, but none has been provided – whether it concerns judges, Otar Partskhaladze, or other cases.”

Kobakhidze also touched on the issue of Russian citizens entering Georgia, reminding that the visa-free regime was established in 2012 under the former President Mikheil Saakashvili administration.

Media outlet SOVA reported that Partskhaladze, whose Georgian citizenship was revoked earlier this year after US claims on his Russian ties and having Russian citizenship, was spotted in central Tbilisi.