The case of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is accused of a corruption-related crime, has been referred to the court for a hearing on its merits.

This decision was made by Judge Lela Kalichenko.

During today’s hearing, the admissibility of evidence was discussed, and a decision was reached to proceed to a substantive examination of the case.

According to Prosecutor Ana Lekiashvili, there are no legal grounds for the termination of the case.

The defense, however, argued that the proceedings against Garibashvili should have been terminated. Defense attorney Lali Aptsiauri stated that the charges against Garibashvili are based on the testimonies of Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkheidze.

Aptsiauri noted that Burchuladze’s testimony is superficial and fails to specify the circumstances under which the alleged crime was committed—specifically, the manner in which the funds were supposedly transferred. Consequently, she argued, a testimony lacking clear, concrete facts cannot serve as a basis for the case. According to the lawyer, a second piece of evidence in the case is the testimony of Mkheidze; this is indirect evidence, as Mkheidze did not witness the actual transfer of funds. The lawyer further stated that Burchuladze and Mkheidze are relatives, adding that "both of them received concessions, and consequently, their sole objective was to secure their own freedom."

Judge Kalichenko did not terminate the proceedings.

For context, former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze and his relative, the convicted individual Vasil Mkheidze, provided testimony against Gharibashvili. According to their accounts, in exchange for procurement contracts, the provision of relevant guarantees, and political protection, Juansher Burchuladze handed 750,000 GEL—half of a 1,500,000 GEL bribe—directly to Irakli Gharibashvili, while retaining the other 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.

The Prosecutor's Office 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—in an especially large amount and committed as part of a group—by an individual holding a state-political position; the offense carries a penalty of 11 to 15 years of imprisonment.

Irakli Gharibashvili has been convicted of the legalization of illicit income in 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.