Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia Caught in Absentia Arrest

Former Prime Minister and leader of the "Gakharia for Georgia" party, Giorgi Gakharia, has been placed under arrest in absentia as a preventive measure related to the so-called Chorchana incident. The decision was announced by Tbilisi City Court Judge Davit Kurtanidze, who granted the prosecutor's request.

The prosecution believes there is a risk that Giorgi Gakharia could commit a new crime, influence witnesses, or abscond. In regard to the defense, the former Prime Minister's lawyers stated that there are no grounds for preliminary detention in this case and have petitioned for Gakharia's release from custody.

Human rights defender Berdia Sichinava noted that the charges have been brought against the State of Georgia, rather than Giorgi Gakharia personally. “What new crime can we discuss if the old one does not exist?” he questioned.

Sichinava also claimed that the case is politically motivated, while Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the "Georgian Dream" party, publicly stated in a live broadcast that there is a political persecution against Giorgi Gakharia. The accused, Giorgi Gakharia, was not present at the trial.