Georgian Prosecutor’s Office charges UNM’s Khabeishvili and Zodelava

The General Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on Saturday charged Levan Khabeishvili, Chair of the Political Council of the opposition United National Movement, and party member Murtaz Zodelava.

The body said Khabeishvili was accused of promising bribes, calling for the overthrow of state power, and other unlawful actions.

The investigation, carried out by the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service, alleges that between August and September 2025, Khabeishvili used television appearances and social media to systematically call on Interior Ministry special unit officers to refuse training and disobey their official duties. He allegedly offered $200,000 in bribes if they abstained from performing their functions or refrained from using legally permitted special means when required.

The Prosecutor’s Office also stated that Khabeishvili publicly promised the same amount of money to other police officers in exchange for providing him with service-related information and classified materials.

Khabeishvili was detained on Thursday by court order and charged under Article 339 of the Criminal Code, which relates to offering bribes to public officials. Additional charges under Article 317 were filed, accusing him of publicly calling for the overthrow of state authority since June.

As for Zodelava, investigators allege he attempted to obstruct justice by trying to hide Khabeishvili’s mobile phone during a court-ordered search, thereby interfering with the investigation. He has been charged under Article 364, which concerns unlawful interference in investigative activities, punishable by up to one year in prison.

The Prosecutor’s Office has requested pre-trial detention for Khabeishvili and bail for Zodelava. The investigation remains ongoing.