The trial of former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze and his co-accused is currently underway at Tbilisi City Court.

During the proceedings, the court reviewed the defendants’ preventive measures. The judge ruled the remand in custody of those detained, Juansher Burchuladze, his deputy Giorgi Khaindrava, and his brother-in-law Vasil Mkheidze.

“I don’t mean to belittle, but the prosecutor’s office appears guided by standardised explanations. What has fundamentally changed? The defence is citing my health condition, which is true. I require daily rehabilitation, something that cannot be provided within a penitentiary institution. The most severe preventive measure can be applied in cases of violent crimes, but in our situation, such measures are inappropriate. What has changed is that the evidence presented so far is solely indirect and unconfirmed. Until now, they have had time to gather evidence. The real change is that the prosecutor’s office has been unable to produce any concrete evidence. On a moral note, I would like to mention that I have a young child, indeed, eight children, and I hope that is taken into account,” Juansher Burchuladze stated.

Juansher Burchuladze, former Defence Minister of Georgia, is accused of abusing his official authority and of laundering illicit income, which involved receiving a significantly large sum of money. The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from nine to twelve years.

Regarding the former head of the Ministry of Defence’s Procurement Department, Vladimir Gudushauri, he has been granted bail set at GEL 30,000.