National Movement files motion to summon Mikheil Saakashvili and Levan Khabeishvili as witnesses for Constitutional Court proceedings

Ana Tsitlidze, a member of the United National Movement, has filed a motion to summon the third President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and the Chairman of the National Movement’s Political Council, Levan Khabeishvili, to testify as witnesses during the Constitutional Court proceedings.

She presented this motion during the court hearing.

"Since the lawsuit concerns the period from 2003 to 2012, as well as the period from 2012 to the present, we are requesting that Mikheil Saakashvili be brought in as a witness; he is the primary target of this lawsuit, having served as President during those years. I am particularly curious to see what questions Tengiz Sharmanashvili—who, during Saakashvili’s presidency (the very period now being challenged in this lawsuit), served as an ambassador appointed by him—might ask. I am also interested in what Giorgi Kakhiani—who, during the National Movement’s tenure, represented Davit Sakvarelidze’s election campaign headquarters—might ask. The first person we are requesting to be summoned is Mikheil Saakashvili, in the capacity of a witness; the second is Levan Khabeishvili, in his role as Chairman of the Political Council of the United National Movement—specifically regarding the period from 2012 to the present. He has served as Chairman of the Political Council across two convocations. Consequently, his position on these years—and, even more so, Mikheil Saakashvili’s position regarding the period from the 'Rose Revolution' through 2012—is of fundamental importance, so that the citizens of Georgia may see and understand the facts," stated Tsitlidze.

For context, the Constitutional Court has begun reviewing a lawsuit filed by the ruling team seeking the banning of certain political parties. The case is being heard by the Plenum, composed of seven judges of the Constitutional Court.

The lawsuit submitted to the Constitutional Court is signed by 88 Members of Parliament. Based on this filing, the Court is tasked with considering whether the following five political entities should be declared unconstitutional: "Unity – National Movement" and "Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa." "Strong Georgia – Lelo, for the People, for Freedom!", "Federalist Party", and the party "Gakharia for Georgia".