Prepared by Messenger Staff
Prosecutor's Office Arrests Associate of Former Security Chief in Ongoing Corruption Inquiry
The Georgian Prosecutor's Office has arrested Andria Liluashvili, an associate of former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili, on suspicion of laundering a large sum of money. The arrest comes one day after investigators detained another of Liluashvili's associates, Koba Khundadze, as part of an expanding corruption probe involving former government officials.
According to prosecutors, both men could face prison terms of nine to twelve years if convicted.
At a briefing on October 23, prosecutor Beka Kvitsiani said that investigators are continuing to examine "individuals who may have maintained criminal connections with Andria Liluashvili." He explained that the case also covers possible violations under Article 339 prima of the Criminal Code, which deals with trading in influence.
"The investigation is ongoing to identify all those involved in organized criminal activity and to take appropriate legal steps," Kvitsiani said.
The arrests follow an operation on October 17, when law enforcement searched the homes of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Grigol Liluashvili, former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze, and others, seizing large amounts of cash and valuables.
On October 22, prosecutors confirmed the detention of Koba Khundadze after investigators reportedly found 1.3 million US dollars in 94 envelopes at his residence.
That same day, the State Security Service said Garibashvili had been questioned, cooperated with investigators, and admitted receiving illicit income. A decision on charges is expected soon.
Tbilisi Court Orders 14 Days' Detention for Azerbaijani Journalist
A Tbilisi court has found Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadygov guilty of an administrative offence and sentenced him to 14 days of administrative detention, Judge Zviad Tsekvava ruled. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Sadygov of intentionally blocking Rustaveli Avenue on October 18.
Addressing the court and the public, Sadygov denounced the country's leadership and vowed to continue protesting. "Ivanishvili is steering Georgia toward dictatorship," he said. "You can sentence me to a year, because as soon as I'm released, I'll join the protests again." He also called on authorities to investigate alleged abuses against demonstrators and said those who back Bidzina Ivanishvili "are also supporting dictatorship."
The Interior Ministry said that between October 18 and 19, a total of 14 people were detained for breaching rules on assemblies and demonstrations. Investigators recorded 53 separate violations, with 42 individuals identified as offenders.
