Amiran Giguashvili, the lawyer representing former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, stated that Garibashvili has not testified against anyone.

“The investigation has its own particularities. In this case, I will refrain from revealing certain details, but we want to make it clear that Irakli Garibashvili has not testified against anyone. The investigation is still ongoing, and once it concludes, we will provide further comments on the specifics. Regarding the charges, the defence has explained that Irakli Garibashvili pleads guilty. He admits to the part of the accusation related to his receipt of illegal income,” Giguashvili said.

Additionally, Amiran Giguashvili explained the circumstances under which Irakli Garibashvili was granted bail as a preventive measure.

“There were questions regarding why Garibashvili was granted bail. When applying a preventive measure, the court and prosecution consider various factors. In this case, since Garibashvili is cooperating with the investigation, has not evaded questioning, has acknowledged the charges, and is set to pay a substantial bail instead of remaining in custody, the procedural standard supports the imposition of a less stringent preventive measure,” explained Amiran Giguashvili.

When asked which companies Irakli Garibashvili collaborated with and who may have assisted him in legitimising illegal income, Giguashvili stated that the investigation is still ongoing and it would be inappropriate for him to disclose further details.

“I am commenting solely on investigative and procedural matters; I have not made any political statements in this case. My role is to protect Irakli Garibashvili’s interests, and all my comments are made with his best interests in mind. I also want to emphasise that Irakli Garibashvili is not accused of embezzlement, misappropriation of budget funds, or abuse of official authority, and this is very important,” Giguashvili stressed.

Regarding the question about whether the prosecutor’s statement that Garibashvili’s cars may have been purchased with illegal income implies they will be confiscated, Giguashvili clarified:

“This is not what the prosecutor stated; rather, it is what is written in the indictment. I cannot tell you what the prosecution intends to do; that is a matter for them. The defence plans to cooperate fully with the investigation within the bounds of the law and to make all decisions that serve the best interests of the client,” he added.

Today, the Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The Tbilisi City Court held a hearing concerning the preventive measure and decided that Garibashvili would be granted bail of one million GEL in connection with the case of allegedly laundering large sums of illegal income. Additionally, the court approved the prosecutor’s motions to ban him from travelling abroad and to confiscate his passport.