Tbilisi Mayor Kaladze calls Garibashvili case ‘regrettable,’ says investigation will determine facts

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has described the alleged illegal income case involving former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili as “deeply regrettable,” saying that the investigation must determine all the facts.

Responding to reporters’ questions on Friday, Kaladze emphasized that Garibashvili ended his political career several months ago and left the ruling party.

“It is very sad and unfortunate to hear such statements concerning our former teammate,” Kaladze said. “I have known Irakli Garibashvili for a long time - we have been working together since 2012; he was our comrade in the political struggle. I am truly sorry to hear this, but let us wait for the investigation to take its course. You know he left the party and withdrew from political activity. He personally announced this at the party headquarters several months ago.”

Kaladze added that he learned about the charges against Garibashvili from the briefing held by the Prosecutor’s Office.

“Once again, what we have been hearing over the past few days is very regrettable and unfortunate. I cannot add anything further at this stage. Let’s wait for the competent authorities and the investigation to complete their work,” he said.

“The vehicles used by the Prime Minister were state property. As for the charter flights, Garibashvili has already provided explanations about that matter, and it is not of current relevance. The investigation is ongoing - let’s wait for the outcome and then draw conclusions. I don’t think it’s right or appropriate to comment prematurely,” Kaladze concluded.