Journalist Eliso Kiladze, who has been detained on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with the so-called “call center” case, has stated in court that she does not admit or agree with the charges brought against her, describing them as an act of revenge by Mamuka Mdinaradze.

The statement was made during her pre-trial hearing, where she strongly rejected the accusations and accused political figures of targeting her.

“I do not admit or agree with the charges of Mdinaradze and Gvarakidze. This is Mamuka Mdinaradze’s revenge. His dream has temporarily come true,” Kiladze said.

At the beginning of the hearing, the prosecution requested that the proceedings be closed to the public, citing witness safety concerns. Prosecutor Mariam Berdzenishvili argued that participants in the case, including witnesses who allegedly provide testimony implicating former high-ranking officials, could face pressure or threats if the hearings remain open.

Kiladze opposed the motion, calling the reasoning unfounded and politically motivated.

“You could just as well execute me, right?... Of course I do not agree with closing the hearing. The identities of these witnesses have been known for three months and no pressure has been exerted on them. This is a made-up excuse,” she said.

She also claimed restrictions had been imposed on her communication for months.

“For three months I have been banned from phone calls, communication with family members, and even letters,” Kiladze said.

Kiladze further alleged that her prosecution is politically motivated, linking it to Mamuka Mdinaradze and the publication of information she claims to have released.

“I do not recognize these charges. This is revenge because I published Mdinaradze’s crypto wallet. This will definitely be investigated under this government,” she said.

She added that she feels she is being politically targeted and expressed confidence that she will continue her fight even from prison.

“They said they would rot me in prison - we will see. I am a prisoner of Mamuka Mdinaradze. He expected me to break down and beg, but prison has not broken me and will not break me,” she said.

Kiladze also criticized the handling of the case, insisting that the trial should remain open and public.

“They want to finish off journalist Eliso Kiladze reputationally and end it publicly,” she said.

She confirmed she is writing a book, which she described as “very scandalous.”

The court ultimately granted the prosecution’s motion and closed Kiladze’s hearings to the public.

In the so-called “call center” case, a total of ten individuals have been charged under Articles 180 and 194 of the Georgian Criminal Code, involving organized fraud and legalization of illicit income (money laundering), which carry penalties of 9 to 12 years in prison.