Mayor Kaladze: ex-PM Gakharia lacks public support as faces criminal proceedings

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has criticised former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, claiming that without the backing of the Georgian public he “cannot achieve any political results,” amid ongoing criminal proceedings linked to the 2019 protest crackdown and a police post near the Russian-controlled Tskhinvali region.

Speaking to journalists Friday, Kaladze responded to questions regarding Gakharia’s new employment in Germany, arguing that political legitimacy in Georgia “comes only from its citizens, not from foreign involvement.” He accused Gakharia and his party members of being influenced by “external patrons,” describing them as part of an “agent network.”

Addressing the charges brought against the former PM, Kaladze said Gakharia, then serving as interior minister, held direct responsibility for the violent dispersal of protesters on 20 June 2019 sparked by the presence of Russian MPs in the country’s state legislature.

“When you carry out an operation to disperse a rally, who is responsible? The one who gives the orders,” the mayor said, accusing the Public Defender’s office of previously attempting to shield Gakharia.

According to Kaladze, the Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Gakharia in connection with two cases. “The investigation is underway - let us wait for detailed information,” he added.