Court proceedings involving Irakli Garibashvili closed to public

The court proceedings involving former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is accused of corruption-related offenses, have been closed to the public. From now on, the former Prime Minister’s trial will be conducted behind closed doors.

The prosecution filed a motion to this effect, which was granted by Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili. According to the motion presented by Prosecutor Ani Lekiashvili, the case concerns the Ministry of Defence; the proceedings will involve the questioning of current and former officials, during which professional and state secrets might be disclosed. Furthermore, the prosecutor noted that the motion is also intended to protect the personal information of the individuals involved.

The defense team categorically opposed this motion. According to lawyer Soso Baratashvili, the case involving Juansher Burchuladze also concerned the Ministry of Defence and classified procurements, yet it was not held behind closed doors. The lawyer stated that the hearing should not be closed to the public, as the public deserves to know the truth. The defense lawyers argued that "the country's population deserves to know what charges Irakli Garibashvili faces and what evidence exists against him."

Irakli Garibashvili himself also opposed closing the hearing.

"Naturally, I oppose this motion. I want the public to learn the truth—that this is a politically motivated case built on slander. Therefore, it is of great importance that the proceedings be conducted publicly and transparently, so that the entire society can see the baseless nature of these accusations. I categorically oppose this motion and request that it not be granted," stated Irakli Garibashvili.

For context, the Prosecutor's Office has brought charges against Irakli Garibashvili under Article 338, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia... ...under subparagraphs "a" and "c" of the [relevant] part, as well as subparagraph "e" of the third part—which pertains to the receipt of a bribe in an especially large amount by a person holding a state-political office, acting as part of a group—and carries a penalty of 11 to 15 years of imprisonment. Irakli Gharibashvili has been convicted of the legalization of illicit income in an especially large amount. Pursuant to a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of 1 million GEL.