Pre-trial hearing in Irakli Garibashvili case underway at Tbilisi City Court

A pre-trial hearing is underway at the Tbilisi City Court for former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is charged with corruption crimes. The defendant is not attending the process.

At today's hearing, the admissibility of evidence will be discussed, and it will also be decided whether the case will be referred to the court for substantive consideration.

It is known from Garibashvili's position that he will not attend any of the proceedings and will again voice his positions through letters. His lawyers are requesting that the case be dropped.

Former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze and his relative, convicted Vasil Mkheidze, testified against Garibashvili. According to their testimony, in exchange for procurements, related guarantees and patronage, Burchuladze handed Garibashvili 750,000 lari in cash from the 1,500,000 lari he received as a bribe, and kept the remaining 750,000 lari for himself.

According to the prosecution, as a result of this action the state suffered property damage of 6,985,255 lari and the public interest was materially violated.

The prosecution charged Garibashvili under Article 338, Part 2, subparagraphs "a" and "g", and Part 3, subparagraph "e" of the Criminal Code of Georgia. This refers to the receipt of a bribe by a person holding a state-political position in a group and in especially large amounts, and provides for imprisonment of 11 to 15 years as punishment.

Garibashvili has been convicted of legalizing illegal income in especially large amounts. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined 1 million lari.