Irakli Kobakhidze Discusses Possible 'Prosecution' of President Salome Zourabichvili
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 20, 2023
Chairman of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, has once again spoken about the potential criminal prosecution of President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili. According to Kobakhidze, while Zourabichvili is in office, she is constitutionally immune. However, after her term expires, a criminal case could be initiated.
"During the term of presidential authority, the president is inviolable according to the constitution. In this case, they can be held accountable only by impeachment. Otherwise, it is impossible. But why did she not finance the illegitimate visits from the budget? She fears the post-presidential period.
A case may not be brought against her during this year, but as soon as the presidential term expires, such a criminal case may be initiated immediately. That's why she was apprehensive about violating criminal law when she didn't allocate expenses from the budget to finance the visits," said Kobakhidze.
On October 18, Kobakhidze mentioned during the president's impeachment in parliament that President Zourabichvili will likely continue to 'violate' the constitution.
"She will break the law tomorrow too, what will prevent it? She still holds hope in the United National Movement. The only thing she can't hope for is the prosecutor's office and a criminal investigation. I don't know; it will be difficult for me to provide a legal answer at this time. However, in light of the Constitutional Court's decision, the violation of the future constitution may already exhibit signs of a criminal offense, although it will be challenging for me to discuss it," said Kobakhidze.
Salome Zourabichvili personally responded to Irakli Kobakhidze's mention of the prosecutor's office, stating that they cannot intimidate her.
"Today I am reminded of the example of the great Niko Nikoladze, who was convicted, and deposed, but they couldn't win against him. Despite this, he brought Europe to this country in many ways and forms. What do you think should frighten me, his descendant, the mention of the prosecutor's office? What should make me tired, what should force me to leave this country? Don't count on that," President Zourabichvili said.
