Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition, will face a new charge, his defense lawyers have reported. According to the defense, the prosecution intends to charge the politician with contempt of court. The formal serving of the indictment is scheduled for July 31 at 1:00 PM.
As noted in the lawyers’ statement, the case stems from an alleged display of disrespect toward a witness questioned during the trial. The investigation is being conducted under Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
The defense asserts that during the court proceedings, Elisashvili repeatedly pointed out what he considered to be false testimony by police officers acting as prosecution witnesses. In addition, the lawyers state that the politician is also accused of insulting one of the police officers, whom he accuses of cruel and inhuman treatment.
According to the defense, the prosecution is interpreting criticism of witness testimony as contempt of court, and the new charge is part of a politically motivated persecution of Elisashvili.
