“No matter what is written on the paper, there is no guilt, because according to the Criminal Code, and specifically the preamble of the relevant article, Levan Khabeishvili should not be punished as no crime has occurred,” said Lasha Tkesheladze, a lawyer representing the United National Movement, speaking to journalists outside the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG).

Before visiting the detainee, Tkesheladze explained that Levan Khabeishvili is expected to be formally charged today.

“I need to visit Levan Khabeishvili to review various details. As for the charges, as far as I understand, they can be presented by around 4 or 5 p.m., so I am awaiting the formal announcement. Once again, I want to emphasise to the public: this charge does not stand. No matter what is written on the paper, no matter what they say, there is no charge, because according to the preamble of the relevant article in the Criminal Code, Levan Khabeishvili should not be punished, since no crime has been committed,” Tkesheladze stated.

For context, the State Security Service detained Levan Khabeishvili, the Chairman of the Political Council of the United National Movement opposition party, on charges of allegedly promising officials monetary sums as a bribe.