The case of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is accused of corruption-related offenses, will be heard in an open session, following a court ruling that overruled a request from the Prosecutor's Office.

This decision was made by Judge Lela Kalichenko.

The motion to close the proceedings entirely was submitted to the court by the prosecutor.

According to the state prosecutor, Ani Lekiashvili, the case concerns the alleged receipt of a bribe by former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Several former and current public officials are set to be questioned as witnesses during the proceedings—a process that could potentially lead to the disclosure of professional or state secrets. Consequently, Lekiashvili argued that the hearing should be closed to the public to protect personal data and the information disclosed during the proceedings.

The defense team opposed the motion filed by the Prosecutor's Office. According to defense attorney Soso Baratashvili, the defense team categorically opposes the motion, arguing that the push to close the hearing is intended to withhold information from the public.

The attorney stated that this is a tool used by the prosecution to "conceal and package everything."

Baratashvili pointed out that since it was the prosecution itself that classified the materials, there are no grounds for closing the hearing.

The defense questioned why the hearing involving Juansher Burchuladze was not closed to the public, and why the proceedings concerning Irakli Garibashvili should be.

Judge Lela Kalichenko denied the prosecution's motion and did not close the hearing.

Prior to this motion, the defense had filed a motion to recuse prosecutor Ani Lekiashvili. According to attorney Soso Baratashvili, this was prompted by a public statement made by the prosecutor—specifically, a comment directed at the former Minister of Defense, Juansher Burchuladze. Specifically, according to Baratashvili, the information provided to the public by Lekiashvili undermines the basis for the allegations against Gharibashvili, as well as the testimony of Juansher Burchuladze—who claimed to have given 750,000 GEL to Irakli Gharibashvili as a bribe.

The prosecutor opposed the motion. Ani Lekiashvili stated that the request for her recusal was incomprehensible and lacked any legal basis. She further noted that she had served as the prosecutor—not the defense attorney—in the previous criminal case; therefore, there are no grounds for her recusal.

Judge Lela Kalichenko denied the motion.

Irakli Gharibashvili is not present at the hearing. According to the court record, he was given the opportunity to attend the proceedings but declined to do so.

For context, testimony against Gharibashvili was provided by former Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze and his relative, the convicted individual Vasil Mkheidze. According to their testimony, in exchange for procurement contracts, relevant guarantees, and protection, Juansher Burchuladze handed over 750,000 GEL—half of the 1,500,000 GEL he had received as a bribe—directly to Irakli Gharibashvili, while keeping the remaining 750,000 GEL for himself.

As a result of these actions, the state suffered significant property damage amounting to 6,985,255 GEL, and the public interest was substantially violated.

For reference, the Prosecutor's Office has charged Irakli Gharibashvili under Article 338, Part 2, Subparagraphs "a" and "c," and Part 3, Subparagraph "e" of the Criminal Code of Georgia. These provisions pertain to the acceptance of a bribe of an "especially large amount" by an individual holding a state-political office, acting as part of a group; the offense carries a penalty of 11 to 15 years of imprisonment.

Irakli Gharibashvili has been convicted of the legalization of illicit income (money laundering) involving an "especially large amount." Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of 1 million GEL.