Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has released another letter from prison, saying he sees no point in attending court hearings because he considers the latest criminal case against him to be a political process.
Garibashvili describes the proceedings against him as a political farce and says that, at this point, his only path forward and his only weapon in the fight is the truth.
“Yesterday, the authorities themselves confirmed the authenticity of the letter I published last week. I want to tell the public once again that I tried everything and did everything possible to avoid this process, but I found myself facing a brutal reality.
This is a ruthless political struggle, injustice and evil directed against me. I no longer intend to take part in this shameful political farce that is an insult to our country. Accordingly, I will not participate in the court proceedings either. My interests will be represented and defended solely by my lawyers.
I would also like to make it clear that this decision of mine is not intended to insult anyone — neither the prosecutors nor the judges. I simply see no point in attending court hearings and becoming involved in a political farce when this is a political process and I know what controls the political process within the system and how it is controlled,” Garibashvili said.
Garibashvili also says he is no longer interested in which “prisoner/hostage” will testify against him under pressure. He is apparently referring to former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze, who is currently in custody. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Burchuladze cooperated with the investigation before Garibashvili was charged with a new corruption-related offence.
“I am no longer participating in your spectacle! I am no longer interested in what you will make any prisoner/hostage say about me through psychological and moral pressure, or what charges you will bring against me.
What was going to happen has happened. Therefore, my only path and my only weapon in this fight is my truth. I intend to speak publicly to society and tell them my truth. Let the people judge!” Garibashvili said.
Today, August 25, former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili did not attend the court hearing in the new corruption case brought against him. None of his family members attended the hearing either.
A preliminary hearing in the corruption case has been scheduled for October 19 at 11 a.m. The decision was made by Judge Pikria Sikturashvili following a motion by the Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor in the case is Ani Lekiashvili.
The Prosecutor’s Office alleges that, in connection with a public procurement process at the Defence Ministry, Irakli Garibashvili and then-Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze accepted bribes of 750,000 lari each.
Garibashvili denies the charges, maintains that he is innocent and considers himself a political prisoner.
Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been charged with a new offence — accepting a large bribe.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze cooperated with the investigation in the case.
The article under which Garibashvili has been charged carries a prison sentence of between 11 and 15 years.
