Irakli Gharibashvili’s court trial will continue in a closed session

The substantive hearing of Irakli Gharibashvili's case has begun at the Tbilisi City Court. The Prosecutor's Office accuses the former Prime Minister of accepting a particularly large amount of bribes, which carries a penalty of 11 to 15 years in prison. The defendant himself attended the hearing for the first time, having previously stated that he would not attend the proceedings. His family members, Rati Bregadze, and Luka Kurtanidze were present in the courtroom. Publika+5

Prosecutor Ana Lekiashvili filed a motion to close the session, citing the risk of potential disclosure of classified information, issues related to the Ministry of Defense, and the need to question high-ranking officials as arguments. The defense did not agree with the motion and noted that cases of similar content, including the case of Juansher Burchuladze, were heard in an open session. 1TV+4

Irakli Gharibashvili stated against closing the session, arguing that the case is politically motivated and built on slander, therefore transparency is necessary. Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili granted the motion and closed the proceedings. 1TV+5