“I want my children and the public to know that their father is not a criminal — he is a patriot. I declare myself absolutely innocent,” said Levan Khabeishvili, a member of the United National Movement, during the court hearing.

According to Khabeishvili, even under conditions of rigged elections, he could have entered parliament, but chose not to.

“I have been in politics for years and have made many public statements. If I had wanted to, I could have been in parliament even under rigged election conditions, but I refused of my own free will. I could have arranged my life and lived comfortably, but from a conscious age, I have not considered that path to be right.

Psychological pressure is being exerted on me. Imagine what it means to spend seven years in solitary confinement — a person in prison faces countless hardships and thoughts. This is psychological pressure, a burden I have placed on myself, because when you believe you are honest, you want to defend your truth. This is my burden.

How can a politician’s public promise be considered a bribe? Do you know what a bribe is, Mr. Judge? If this counts as a crime, then add any other ‘crimes’ you wish. I have repeatedly stated that teachers deserve salary increases, and I have spoken about pensioners as well — what is the difference? What is the difference when I publicly told Special Tasks Department employees: do not commit illegal acts, and you will be rewarded? There is no statement of mine where I do not clarify my meaning.

I do not own a house or a car — I have one pair of shoes and two T-shirts. If I had claimed I would bribe someone from my own pocket, people would laugh. My wealth is my truth and my family. I told Special Tasks Department employees: do not act illegally. If there is even one instance where I said, ‘disobey the law and I will pay you,’ then I confess to the crime.

The case contains testimony from three Special Tasks Department employees who claim they felt offended by my proposal. Should I be sentenced to seven years in prison because of three employees? There are no actions in this case — only words that I allegedly spoke. I was arrested for speaking.

I want my children and the public to know that their father is not a criminal — he is a patriot. I declare myself absolutely innocent. I am right, and if I cannot prove this in a Georgian court, I will prove it at the European Court,” Levan Khabeishvili said.