Trial on Merabishvili to Be Resumed on October 17

Shorena Kakabadze, Imereti

Two satisfied and one declined solicitations, replaced judge and political statements from the seat of the accused person – trial on Merabishvili-Chiaberashvili’s Case was held in this environment at the Kutaisi City Court on October 7. 

Vano Merabishvili is charged under three articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia (bribery of voters, misappropriation of state property and abuse of authority). 

At previous trials, on September 21 and 27, Merabishvili’s lawyer exposed Judge Teimuraz Dgvareli in being oppressed by the government and requested to replace him.

Their solicitation was satisfied – Judge Natia Barbakadze conducted next trial on the former prime-minister’s case on October 7. 

“It is political intimidation against me and National Movement. I am personal prisoner of Ivanishvili and these people, I mean prosecutors, who implement his orders. Neither prosecutor’s office, nor court makes decisions independently. Ivanishvili, Natsvlishvili make decisions with the support of Kakha Targamadze, Levan Pirveli and other bandits. They impose groundless accusations on me and trials are expanded,” the former PM said at the session before substantial discussion of the case started.

During the trial, Merabishvili mentioned senior officials of Shevardnadze’s government several times that was followed by applause from the attendees and strict warning from the judge.

Judge did not satisfy the solicitation of the defense side to cancel Merabishvili’s imprisonment and replace prosecutors. 

At the next trial, evidence provided by the prosecutor’s office will be studied and witnesses will be interrogated. 

Next trial is scheduled on October 17, at the Kutaisi City Court.