Georgian MP Abulashvili Denies Involvement in Akhlebi Representative’s Detention

Nodar Kutibashvili, former Sakobo village Governor in the Sighnaghi District was detained by the police on the morning of October 12 while he was visiting the Tsnori Bazaar, as reported by the Media news agency. The news agency was provided the information by Pikria Chikhradze, member of Akhali Memarjveneebi (New Rights), a Georgian political party.

Chikhradze states that Kutibashvili is the member of New Rights’ Sighnaghi Office. She considers that Kutibashvili is being persecuted on political grounds. She claims that Kutibashvili may have been detained under the direct order Nugzar Abulashvili, who represents the National Movement as a single mandate MP from the Sighnaghi District.

“On several occasions Nugzar Kutibashvili was previously warned about political retaliation both before and after the May 21st parliamentary elections. It turned out in the end that they did follow up on their threats“, said Pikria Chikhradzse to Media news.

She also stated that Kutibashvili was active opposition member. “Nugzar Abulashvili as the Single Mandate MP from Sighnaghi beats people and journalists. I think he is the one who ordered Kutibashvili’s detention,” noted Chikhradze.

Nugzar Abulashvili denies having any connections with Kutibashvili. He told Media news “there wasn’t any conflict between the two of us. However, it is true that he did not like my political views and spoke in negative terms about me.”

Nodar Kutibashvili was detained on Sunday. Chikhradze informs that the law enforcers took Kutibashvili to the Tsnori Police Department first and then to Telavi town. She also informs that Kutibashvili had a state attorney. The judge sentenced him to a two week term of pretrial detention.

“Kutibashvili was detained several years ago. He was charged for misuse of power. However, he was released for lack of evidence,” notes Chikhradze.

Pikria Chikhradze states it is possible that he was detained in connection of his previous work.