Ruling party MP Machavariani: ex-PM Garibashvili allegedly knew about new charges in advance

Georgian Dream lawmaker Levan Machavariani has claimed that jailed former prime minister Irakli Garibashvili knew in advance that prosecutors were preparing a serious new charge against him and had sought to politicise the issue.

"His letters show that he already knew in advance about the serious charge that would be brought against him and was trying to politicise the issue," Machavariani told journalists on Monday.

He said the government would not make exceptions in corruption cases, regardless of a person's position or political affiliation.

"It does not matter whether someone is a former member of our team, a current member or holds any other position. We will not tolerate corruption against anyone," Machavariani said.

The Prosecutor's Office on Monday charged Garibashvili with allegedly accepting a particularly large bribe while holding a state political position. The charge carries a potential prison sentence of 11 to 15 years.