Irakli Kobakhidze on Irakli Garibashvili: There are individuals currently in penitentiary institutions, and, in essence, that is what was discussed - For us—and, first and foremost, for Bidzina Ivanishvili—what has occurred is deeply distressing, and he himself has expressed this sentiment

It is distressing for all of us—and, above all, for Bidzina Ivanishvili—to see events unfold in this manner, with former members of the team serving sentences for specific crimes. This statement was made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, following a meeting of the Political Council and the parliamentary majority, which was attended by the party’s Honorary Chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

When asked whether there had been any discussion regarding the potential release of former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili from imprisonment, Kobakhidze noted that no such conversation took place; rather, Bidzina Ivanishvili offered a general assessment of the situation.

"Regarding the events that have unfolded—which include the fact that some individuals are currently in penitentiary institutions—it was, of course, important for the team to hear Bidzina Ivanishvili’s views on such matters; essentially, that is what the discussion focused on. For all of us—and certainly, first and foremost, for Bidzina Ivanishvili—what has transpired is deeply painful. Seeing events unfold in this way, with former members of the team serving sentences for specific crimes, is truly distressing—a sentiment that Bidzina Ivanishvili himself expressed. It is regrettable; what happened was, naturally, a blow to the team. That is the only comment that can be made on this matter—what occurred is very unfortunate.

There was no discussion regarding this specific issue [the release of Gharibashvili from prison]; Bidzina Ivanishvili touched upon the unfolding events only in very general terms and offered a broad assessment of the situation," stated Kobakhidze.