Tbilisi Court Closes Trial Against Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
The Tbilisi City Court has ordered closed-door proceedings in the case against former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who faces corruption-related charges. Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili granted the prosecution's request despite objections from Garibashvili and his defense team.
Garibashvili appeared in court in person for the first hearing. Members of his family, including his wife, Nunuka Tamazashvili, were present, alongside former Justice Minister Rati Bregadze, the only high-ranking Georgian Dream official reported to have attended the hearing.
As Garibashvili entered the courtroom, former Olympic wrestler and Georgian Dream political activist Luka Kurtanidze shouted, "Long live the man of the nation!" The judge reprimanded him and called for order.
Asked whether he pleaded guilty to the charges, Garibashvili answered, 'No.' During the hearing, he also exchanged remarks with the judge about his command of the Georgian language, prompting the judge to remind him to maintain appropriate conduct in court.
Prosecutor Ani Lekiashvili requested that the proceedings be closed to the public, arguing that the case concerns the Ministry of Defence and that questioning current and former officials could lead to the disclosure of state and professional secrets. She also cited the need to protect the personal information of those involved.
The defense opposed the motion. Lawyer Soso Baratashvili argued that proceedings in the case involving former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze, which also concerned classified procurements, had remained open to the public.
Garibashvili also urged the court to reject the request, describing the case as politically motivated and based on what he called slander.
"I want the public to know the truth-that this is a politically motivated case built on slander," he told the court, arguing that the proceedings should remain public and transparent.
Judge Mchedlishvili ultimately granted the prosecution's motion, meaning subsequent hearings will be held behind closed doors.
Garibashvili faces charges under Article 338 of Georgia's Criminal Code relating to bribery. According to the provisions cited in the case, the alleged offenses carry a prison sentence of 11 to 15 years.
Separately, Garibashvili has been convicted of legalizing illicit income in an especially large amount. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 1 million GEL.
