The prosecution has 1,060 witnesses on its list. Let them name a single witness or piece of evidence that proves Giorgi Gakharia organized the intentional infliction of serious bodily harm, said Berdia Sichinava, lawyer for former Interior Minister and leader of the party “For Georgia,” Giorgi Gakharia, regarding the June 20 case.

According to him, there is no evidence in the case materials confirming Gakharia’s guilt.

“Today, the prosecution presented a victim as a witness who was injured as a result of the use of rubber bullets. Therefore, this testimony cannot, in any way, be linked to Giorgi Gakharia’s alleged guilt, for the simple reason that there is no evidence that Gakharia ordered the use of rubber bullets. Consequently, the harm suffered by this individual cannot be connected to the charges that the prosecution has constructed.

The prosecution has 1,060 witnesses on its list. Let them name even one witness or piece of evidence proving that Giorgi Gakharia organized the intentional infliction of serious bodily harm. Such evidence does not exist.

There are 1,060 witnesses, and court hearings are scheduled only once a month. How many decades will it take to complete this criminal case?” Sichinava said.

For context, a court hearing in the June 20 case involving former Interior Minister and “For Georgia” leader Giorgi Gakharia was held at the Tbilisi City Court, where a prosecution witness was examined.

Additionally, by the decision of Judge Demetre Jinjolia, the pre-trial detention imposed on Gakharia remains in force.

Gakharia has been charged under Articles 25 and 117 (Part 3, subparagraph “m”) and Article 333 (Part 2) of the Criminal Code, which relate to organizing the intentional infliction of serious bodily harm against more than one person and abuse of official authority by a high-ranking public official. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 13 years in prison.