Tbilisi City Court Judge Nana Shamatava granted bail of GEL 10,000 to former Chair of the Parliamentary Defence and Security Committee, Givi Targamadze.

Prosecutor Natia Tatiashvili had requested the same amount, citing both factual and legal grounds for imposing a preventive measure. She stated that Targamadze violated Article 349 of the Criminal Code by ignoring a lawful summons from the Parliamentary Temporary Investigative Commission and failing to appear for questioning.

According to Tatiashvili, there is a risk he could commit another offence or flee, noting that the charge carries a sentence of up to one year and that Targamadze has crossed the border multiple times.

The defence rejected these claims. Lawyer Beka Basilaia argued that Targamadze’s absence was a political decision and should be treated under the Code of Administrative Offences. He also dismissed the risks of reoffending or fleeing, pointing out that the investigative commission is not expected to resummon him shortly.

Targamadze had been summoned to a commission session on April 3 but refused to attend, claiming he did not recognize the legitimacy of the parliament or the commission. The pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 21.