UNM’s Tsiskarishvili: judge ‘prepared to sign anything’ in Khabeishvili case

Petre Tsiskarishvili, Secretary General of the opposition United National Movement, on Saturday accused the authorities of political persecution in the case against UNM chair Levan Khabeishvili, claiming that the judicial process is unlawful and politically motivated.

“It is illegal for the same judge to both issue the detention order and oversee the case. Apparently, this judge has been prepared to sign anything, and they have loaded him with this entire political burden,” Tsiskarishvili said.

He argued that Khabeishvili faces charges fabricated in the “best Soviet-Bolshevik tradition” of political repression.

“Since Levan has committed no crime, the authorities are using their only remaining weapon - politicised justice - through puppet prosecutors and judges to isolate their opponents,” Tsiskarishvili added.

Speaking about ongoing protests, the UNM official said the opposition would attend demonstrations, including a march on Rustaveli Avenue “in defence of Georgia’s visa-free regime with the EU.”

Khabeishvili, arrested on Thursday on charges including calls for the overthrow of state authority and bribery attempts, is scheduled to appear at Tbilisi City Court later today for a pre-trial hearing.