The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has declined to open an investigation based on claims of “psychological and moral torture” voiced in the courtroom by former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The agency’s press service confirmed this to the Georgian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
“Due to the absence of the elements of a crime, an investigation has not been launched,” the agency stated.
Soso Baratashvili, defense attorney for the convicted former prime minister, contends that “the prosecution is making no attempt to establish the truth.” When asked by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty whether the allegations of torture implied pressure on Garibashvili’s relatives, friends, or business associates, the lawyer responded:
“The statement he [Garibashvili] made focused on the fact that an offer [to enter a guilty plea] had been extended; he explained how this criminal case originated and what political manipulations preceded it. He spoke precisely within that context. Perhaps in the future he will address the context you are referring to as well, but I have no knowledge of that.”
When asked by journalists to comment on reports regarding a search conducted at the apartment of the former prime minister’s father, Tariel Garibashvili, as well as the threat of his arrest, Soso Baratashvili was unable to provide details: “I will ask him about this, and if any information emerges, I will inform you.”
