Prepared by Messenger Staff
UK Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Judges Levan Murusidze and Mikheil Chinchaladze
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Georgian judges Levan Murusidze and Mikheil Chinchaladze, citing reasonable grounds to suspect their involvement in serious corruption. The UK government announced the sanctions, stating that both individuals have been implicated in corrupt activities related to their judicial roles.
According to the UK government, Mikheil Chinchaladze, as Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal, allegedly received financial rewards for improperly performing his duties. The statement claims that Chinchaladze used his position to influence judicial appointments and decisions in favor of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, undermining the integrity of the judicial system.
Similarly, Levan Murusidze, a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, is accused of using his influence to ensure that judicial appointments and decisions benefitted the Georgian Dream Party. As a foreign public official, Murusidze allegedly received financial advantages in exchange for misusing his judicial authority.
The sanctions are being imposed under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations, which allow for the freezing of assets and economic resources of individuals involved in significant corruption. The UK's move underscores ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices, particularly those who exploit their public offices for personal gain.
Mamuka Khazaradze Granted 50,000 GEL Bail by Tbilisi City Court
Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the Lelo - Strong Georgia party, was granted a 50,000 GEL bail as a preventive measure after he failed to comply with a request from the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament.
The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, who set a 30-day deadline for Khazaradze to submit the bail amount.
The trial focused on whether a preventive measure should be imposed on Khazaradze. The state prosecution requested a 50,000 GEL bail, while Khazaradze's defense team argued for his release without any preventive measure. Khazaradze was present at the hearing.
Khazaradze was summoned to appear before the Temporary Investigative Commission on March 25 for an explanation, but he did not attend. Following this, he testified before a magistrate judge.
He faces charges under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to "failure to comply with the request of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia." The charge carries penalties ranging from a fine to imprisonment of up to one year, or a ban on holding public office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.
