Former Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has released another letter from prison, stating that he sees no point in attending court hearings because the new criminal case against him is purely political.
Garibashvili described the ongoing events as a “political masquerade” and emphasized that the truth is now his only path and weapon in this fight.
“Yesterday, the authorities themselves confirmed the authenticity of the letter I published last week. I want to state to the public once again that I tried everything and did everything possible to avoid this process, but I found myself facing a harsh reality.
This is a ruthless political struggle, an injustice and malice directed against me. I no longer intend to participate in this political masquerade, which is shameful and insulting to our country. Accordingly, I will not take part in the trial either. My interests will be represented and defended exclusively by my lawyers.
At the same time, I declare that my decision is not intended to insult anyone—neither prosecutors nor judges. Simply because this is a political trial, and I know how the system manages such cases, I see no point in attending court hearings and taking part in this political masquerade,” Garibashvili stated.
According to Garibashvili, he is also no longer interested in which “prisoner/hostage” will testify against him under pressure. The former prime minister is presumably referring to former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, who is currently in custody. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, it was Burchuladze who agreed to cooperate with the investigation prior to the filing of new corruption charges against Garibashvili.
“I am no longer taking part in your spectacle! I am no longer interested in what exactly you will force this or that prisoner/hostage to write about me through psychological and moral pressure, or what charges you will bring against me.
What was bound to happen has already happened, which is why my only path and weapon in this struggle is my truth. I intend to speak openly with society and voice my truth. Let the people be the judge!” Garibashvili added.
Notably, on August 25, the former Prime Minister of Georgia did not appear at the court hearing held on the new corruption charges. The preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 19.
The Prosecutor’s Office alleges that, as part of Ministry of Defense public procurement deals, Garibashvili, along with Minister Burchuladze, received a bribe of 750,000 GEL each. The former prime minister faces a prison term ranging from 11 to 15 years. Garibashvili denies the charges and considers himself a political prisoner.
