PM Kobakhidze: convicted ex-PM Garibashvili, his family are under state protection

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the safety of former prime minister Irakli Garibashvili and his family is fully protected by the state, dismissing what he described as even a theoretical security risk.

Speaking at a government administration briefing, Kobakhidze was responding to a recent statement by Garibashvili concerning his and his family's safety.

"I guarantee that this security is protected," Kobakhidze said, adding that the state had a responsibility to protect the safety of its citizens.

Kobakhidze said he was aware that a court verdict had been issued in Garibashvili's case but declined to comment further, saying law enforcement authorities were responsible for the matter.

He described Garibashvili's statement as "problematic", but stressed that he would not assess it in detail for ethical reasons because Garibashvili had held the position of prime minister before him.

"I cannot comment on this statement, including because Garibashvili held this position before me," Kobakhidze said. "There are certain ethical standards that limit my ability to make statements on this matter."

Kobakhidze reiterated that both Garibashvili and his family were fully protected by the state and said he did not see even the theoretical risk referred to in Garibashvili's statement.