Georgian PM Says Ivanishvili Expressed Regret Over Imprisonment of Former Ruling Party Officials

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgian Dream founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili had expressed regret over developments involving former members of the ruling party who are serving prison sentences.

Speaking to journalists following meetings at the Georgian Dream party headquarters, Kobakhidze said Ivanishvili had briefly addressed the issue and shared his assessment of recent developments.

“It was important for the team to hear Bidzina Ivanishvili’s views. What happened is painful for all of us, and particularly for Bidzina Ivanishvili himself. When former members of the team are serving prison sentences for specific crimes, it is deeply regrettable, and Bidzina Ivanishvili also expressed that regret,” Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister described the developments as a setback for the ruling party.

“Unfortunately, what happened was a blow to the team. It is very regrettable,” he added.

Asked whether the possibility of releasing or pardoning former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had been discussed during the meeting, Kobakhidze said the issue had not been raised.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili addressed the developments only in very general terms and offered his own assessment of the situation,” the prime minister said.