Chairman of Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, states that the decision of the National Bank to restrict access to bank assets for the US-sanctioned former prosecutor general of Georgia, Otar Partskhaladze, "directly contradicts the Constitution of Georgia".

According to Kobakhidze, there may be an internal regulation of the National Bank regarding the restriction of access to bank assets and financial transactions for Otar Fartskhaladze, but priority is always given to the Constitution of Georgia.

Kobakhidze explains that when it comes to a citizen of Georgia, the state acts with different responsibilities.

"When it comes to making certain decisions, the internal regulation of the National Bank may exist, but priority is always given to the Constitution of Georgia. If such a decision is taken by the National Bank, it directly contradicts the Constitution of Georgia, in particular, one of its fundamental principles, which is the presumption of innocence. Georgian citizens are specially protected by the Constitution of Georgia. Of course, a foreigner can be restricted from carrying out commercial activities or other types of activities here, but when it comes to a citizen of Georgia, the state acts with a different responsibility," said Irakli Kobakhidze.

According to the National Bank of Georgia, former prosecutor general Otar Partskhaladze has been restricted access to bank assets and financial transactions. As IPN was told about the sanctioning of Partskhaladze in the National Bank, the sanctioned person is restricted both in the disposal of funds and the ability to carry out all kinds of financial operations. The National Bank explains the measures taken by Georgia in accordance with the international sanctions and declares that the Georgian financial sector operates in full compliance with the requirements stipulated by the sanctions regimes.