Ex-PM Gharibashvili not to participate in either political masquerade or court hearings

“I do not intend to participate in this shameful and offensive to our country political masquerade, and I will not participate in court hearings, either,” wrote former prime minister Irakli Gharibashvili in his Facebook post.

According to Gharibashvili, his interests will be communicated through lawyers.

“The government, yesterday, confirmed the authenticity of the letter I published last week. I want to tell society that I did my best to avoid this process but turned myself face to face with fierce reality.

This is a ruthless political battle, an injustice and an act of malice directed against me. I do not intend to participate in this shameful and offensive to our country political masquarade. Moreover, I will not participate in court hearings, either. Only lawyers will present and defend my interests.

Hereby, I state that with my decision I do not offend anyone, either prosecutors or judges, simply put, because this is a political process, and I know how the system rules such processes. I see no point in attending court hearings and participating in a political masquerade. I do not participate in your show, neither I am intereted in what any of tyour prisoner or hostage writes about me or presents accusations against me through and under exorted pjychological or moral pressure.

What was bound to happen has already happened; therefore, my only path and weapon in this struggle is my truth. I intend to speak publicly to the people and share my truth. Let the people be the judge!” he wrote.

A pre-trial hearing in ex-prime minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s case will be held at 11 a.m. on October 19, Tbilisi City Court Judge Pikria Sikturashvili decided.

The Prosecutor’s Office brought new charges against Irakli Gharibashvili for taking a bribe of an especially large amount on August 24.