Court Left Davit Kevkhishvili on the Position

Mikheil Mamalashvili, Kakheti

Gurjaani district court did not satisfy the solicitation of the Prosecutor’s Office on resigning Davit Kevkhishvili from the position of Kvareli district governor. Prosecutor’s office requested to impose 2 000 lari bail on him too but Judge Natela Jashiashvili did not satisfy their request.

Davit Kevkhishvili was accused under Article 125 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (physical assault). Gurjaani district prosecutor’s office blamed the district governor in the physical assault of Bakur Sesiashvili, member of the Georgian Dream.

Incident with Bakur Sesiashvili happened on April 4. Nugzar Kakhashvili from Republic Party said he saw Kvareli district governor physically assaulting Sesiashvili.

“I witnessed everything; governor suddenly rushed into the room, attacked an activist from Georgian Dream Bakur Sesiashvili, cursed him and slapped. He threatened him. They want to continue old situation – to get hold of everything. He wants to be head of the election HQ and control party lists. They want to continue old tendency and get furious when other people dare to disobey district governor. This incident happened because of it,” Nugzar Kakhashvili said.

Davit Kevkhishvili said it is result of smear campaign against him. “A smear campaign against me started two months ago. I am glad the court did not satisfy their request and did not resign me from the position. You also see what was going on in the municipal board – they wanted to declare impeachment on me but failed. Everything is clear that certain groups try to initially influence the board and then witnesses,” district governor said.

For the last two months, Kevkhishvili was requested to file resignation letter several times. He did not obey the request. Afterwards, his deputy Otar Adomlishvili was arrested under the charge of bribery. Despite that, Kevkhishvili did not quit job and finally Security Service interfered in the situation. Kvareli municipal board members were ordered to declare impeachment on the governor though could not succeed due to low number of supporters. Finally, district governor was accused of physical assault of his party member.

Court imposed obligation of proper conduct on Kevkhishvili and he cannot leave the country either.