Prepared by Messenger Staff
Tbilisi Court Acquits Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze of Drug Charges
Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze was acquitted on Tuesday by the Tbilisi City Court, which found him not guilty of drug-related charges. Judge Romeo Tkheshelashvili delivered the verdict, prompting Akhobadze's immediate release from the courtroom and the removal of his handcuffs.
Akhobadze had been detained on December 7 while returning home from a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue. He was charged under Article 260, Part 6 of the Criminal Code, which concerns the illegal acquisition and possession of a large quantity of narcotic substances. The charge carries a prison sentence of eight to 20 years or life imprisonment.
"I had pessimistic expectations, but the most important thing is what we heard a few minutes ago," said Akhobadze's lawyer, Lasha Tsutskiridze, after the hearing. "The court could not ignore the arguments, evidence, and real facts we presented. We showed the judge the absurdity of the charge, which the prosecution had been spreading for months. It was confirmed, indisputably, that Giorgi Akhobadze is innocent; he did not possess drugs."
The acquittal has drawn significant public attention, especially given the context of the doctor's arrest following a politically sensitive demonstration.
Despite the ruling, the case is not yet closed. In a statement issued following the verdict, the Georgian Prosecutor's Office announced plans to appeal.
"The Georgian Prosecutor's Office will appeal the Tbilisi City Court's verdict to the Tbilisi Court of Appeals within the legally prescribed timeframe, following the receipt of the reasoned judgment," the statement reads.
Poland Considers Reinstating Visa Requirements for Georgia
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that his government is reviewing the possible reintroduction of visa requirements for nationals of Georgia, Armenia, Venezuela, and Colombia, citing national security risks tied to Russian intelligence activity.
The move comes in response to a suspected Russian-backed arson attack in 2024. A 27-year-old Colombian national was arrested in connection with arson incidents in Warsaw and Radom and is accused of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence, according to Poland's Internal Security Agency.
Speaking on the TVN24 news channel on July 30, Tusk said the incident appears isolated but raised broader concerns. "The greater threat comes from citizens of the former Soviet Union," he noted, pointing to what he described as their increased vulnerability to Russian recruitment.
When asked whether the visa-free regime for the four countries might be suspended, Tusk confirmed the issue is under review. "We are analyzing this," he said.
Addressing Georgia specifically, Tusk said domestic crime was a key concern. "As for Georgian citizens, the issue here concerns domestic crime. I know this is not a national trait of Georgians, I would never say that, but it just so happens that today we are dealing with certain organized crime groups," he stated.
Tusk also noted that several deportation operations have already taken place. "Anyone who commits a crime will either end up in prison or be deported," he said.
