My opening statement, my closing statement - why should they be closed? If you make this decision, it will be an official crime, - this is how former Defense Minister Bachо Akhalaia addressed Judge Nino Galustashvili, who granted the prosecution's motion to close the hearing.

During the consideration of the motion, Akhalaia explained to the judge that he did not agree with closing the proceedings.

"You treated me incorrectly - I hadn't even arrived yet. What you just did is abuse of authority; it is a criminal offense, just like closing the hearing and removing the lawyer. The Criminal Code states that a person can refuse to testify in the case of a family member. As for closing the hearing - big and small, anyone who might have any interest in this case knows that there is nothing secret in this criminal case; everyone knows that law enforcement agencies have no secrets except for illegal actions. Why are you closing it? The essential interest of justice is that if someone is implicated in a crime, the evidence should be presented. My opening statement, my closing statement - why should they be closed?

If you make this decision, it will be an official crime," - stated Akhalaia.

The motion to close the proceedings was filed by the prosecution side, to which the defense did not agree. Despite this, Judge Nino Galustashvili granted the prosecutor's motion and fully closed the case.

"In the present case, the motion to close and the circumstances pointed out by the prosecution side are well-founded and should be granted," - stated Galustashvili.

For information: Bachо Akhalaia has been charged in the October 4 case under Article 225, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia - organizing and leading group violence, which provides for imprisonment of up to 9 years.