“I have known Irakli Garibashvili for a long time; he was our teammate. I am very concerned,” said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.

Kaladze emphasised that an investigation is currently underway and that the public must await its results.

“It is deeply regrettable to hear such accusations about our former teammate. I have known Irakli Garibashvili for many years. We have been close since 2012, and he was our fellow. I am truly concerned, but we should wait for the investigation to unfold. As you know, he left the party and stepped back from political activities. He made a public statement at the party office a few months ago regarding this matter,” Kaladze added.

Tbilisi Mayor also mentioned that he learned about Garibashvili’s charges during a briefing held by the Prosecutor’s Office.

“The recent reports we’ve heard over the past few days are very sad and regrettable. I cannot say much more at this stage. Let’s wait for the relevant authorities and the investigation to proceed. The vehicles used by the Prime Minister are state property. Regarding the charter flight, he has already clarified the circumstances, and at this point, I am not particularly interested in revisiting that.

The investigation is ongoing, so let’s wait for the findings, how it develops and concludes, before drawing any conclusions. I believe it is neither appropriate nor respectful to speculate prematurely,” said the Mayor of Tbilisi.

Irakli Garibashvili has been charged with the legalisation of illegal income. The prosecutor’s office has requested a bail of GEL 1 million as a preventive measure.