Papuashvili: Ivanishvili voiced regret and disappointment that former Georgian Dream leaders face criminal charges

“The party’s political council discussed, in general terms, the disappointment of seeing former team leaders face criminal charges,” said Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament.

According to Papuashvili, Bidzina Ivanishvili expressed regret about the matter.

“The issue of criminal charges against members of our team was discussed at the majority meeting and at the political council meeting. Bidzina Ivanishvili spoke about exactly this and expressed his regret and disappointment that former leaders are facing criminal charges. When criminal charges are brought against someone who has held the highest political office, it is a blow not only to Bidzina Ivanishvili, but to our entire team. There were no questions about Garibashvili specifically. When discussing the political processes we have recently been through, the legal accountability of political officials was one of the key issues touched upon by Bidzina Ivanishvili.

We did not discuss pardon during the meeting. Rather, the expression of regret reflects the reality that several of our leaders and public officials now face criminal prosecution. Every prisoner has the chance of a presidential pardon, but there was no discussion of that, especially since it is not within our remit; it is the president’s prerogative,” Papuashvili said.

On 17 October, Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia’s political council met at the party’s office on Gorgasali Street, with all members present. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s founder and honorary chairman, also attended.