Regional Development Minister refrains from examining jailed ex-PM’s goals

“When other government representatives and I took such an uncompromising stand against corruption, we were prepared for the fact that such accusations would follow,” said Mamuka Mdinaradze, Georgian Minister for Regional Development.

Mdinaradze said he would refrain from commenting on the intent behind the statements by former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili.

“I will refrain from commenting on the intention of this man. He is a prisoner, and it would be incorrect on my part to attack him. I would say honestly that when other government representatives and I took such an uncompromising stand against corruption, we were prepared for the fact that such, and even worse, accusations would follow. If you, as a government official, are not prepared for this, then you will be unable to fight against corruption, get the job done, or ensure rapid management.

When an individual attacks and makes groundless, contradictory statements, I will try not to discuss their underlying motives. It is impossible to discuss every attack made for our fight with corruption,” he said.

Ex-Prime Minister, jailed Irakli Gharibashvili wrote in his social network post on August 17 that “a letter was sent to him at Bidzina Ivanishvili’s instruction.” Gharibashvili, on August 18, released an open letter saying that Mamuka Mdinaradze sent him the letter.