Lasha Golubiani, the attorney for Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, says his client categorically disagrees with the charges against him and considers himself innocent.

Responding to questions about whether Russia is one of the countries referenced by the State Security Service of Georgia in its investigation, Golubiani said it is possible but that he cannot confirm it at this stage. He also argued that the case file contains no evidence proving that Rtskhiladze committed a crime.

“Russia may be one of the countries involved, but I cannot confirm that at this point,” the lawyer said, adding that there is neither direct nor indirect evidence supporting the espionage allegations against his client.

Golubiani further stated that Rtskhiladze believes his detention is connected to the creation of a council aimed at identifying and publicizing what he describes as instances of Russophobia.

“This person created a council to identify and make public cases of Russophobia. I do not know whose interests were affected by publicizing such cases, but he himself links his detention to that activity,” the lawyer said.

According to Golubiani, Rtskhiladze had planned to travel to Iran but ultimately decided against it due to family circumstances.

“At the last moment, he changed his mind. He informed the Iranian ambassador and the management of Obiektivi that his father was seriously ill and that he was caring for him. Given the family circumstances, it could just as easily have been a trip to the United States or a European country,” Golubiani stated.

The lawyer’s comments come after Georgian prosecutors charged Rtskhiladze in an espionage case.