“It seems that Garibashvili chose, among severe options, the less severe one. This is clear revenge against Garibashvili, and it was facilitated by a group that wields influence—Kobakhidze’s group,” said Eka Beselia, founder of the House of Justice, on PalitraNews’ program Political Space, commenting on the arrest of Irakli Garibashvili.

According to Beselia, Garibashvili’s arrest represents an act of revenge against him.

“It seems that Garibashvili chose, among severe options, the less severe one. Going to prison by your own decision, admitting guilt, not demanding a court hearing—it is not easy. But apparently, he expected a more severe outcome. This severe outcome would not have been limited to the sentence; it could have extended to legal action against his close associates.

This is obvious revenge against Garibashvili, facilitated by a group that wields influence—Kobakhidze’s group. His short, three-word condolence message claiming sympathy and that his heart hurts is hypocritical. I am convinced that his role was significant in influencing Ivanishvili’s attitude toward Garibashvili,” Beselia said.

She added that Irakli Kobakhidze is at the head of the people who played a role in the processes against Garibashvili.

“People tell certain stories and provide certain records, on which his decisions rely. At the head of the people who played this role in the process, I am convinced, is Kobakhidze and his group. From the outside, all of this reads as revenge. Other components were involved as well—mistrust, questions like why Liluashvili and Garibashvili were not sanctioned, whether he was a traitor. I am convinced that this is how Ivanishvili was painted a picture of Garibashvili’s character. These attitudes were sufficient to initiate prosecution against him. Otherwise, who would believe that this is about fighting corruption?” Beselia said.