It has once again become evident—Bidzina Ivanishvili does not intend to allow Mikheil Saakashvili to be free; he has a panicked fear of Saakashvili.This is how Irakli Pavlenishvili, a member of "Unity National Movement," assessed the decision of Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili, who sentenced former President Mikheil Saakashvili to nine years in prison for the embezzlement of budgetary funds and imposed a fine of 300,000 GEL on former SDS head Teimuraz Janashia.

According to Irakli Pavlenishvili, the sentence imposed on Teimur Janashia is also illegal.

"It has once again become evident—Bidzina Ivanishvili does not intend to allow Mikheil Saakashvili to be free; he has a panicked fear of Saakashvili. That is why he keeps adding to the already illegal imprisonment. The verdict against Temur Janashia is also unlawful. He is an example of professionalism and loyalty. If we do not argue about legality, he was simply carrying out the orders he received from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Of course, yet another illegal sentence has been imposed on Temur Janashia," said Pavlenishvili.

For reference, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced the third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, to nine years in prison for the embezzlement of budgetary funds, while former SDS head Teimuraz Janashia was fined 300,000 GEL. The decision was announced by Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili.

The prosecution accuses Saakashvili and Janashia of embezzling a large amount of budgetary funds—9 million GEL—together.

The defendants, Mikheil Saakashvili and Teimuraz Janashia, did not attend the hearing. Notably, both consider themselves innocent of the charges presented against them.