Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze Says Liluashvili Corruption Case Ongoing, Avoids Comment on Secrecy
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the investigation into the corruption case against former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili is still underway and stressed that establishing responsibility is the task of investigators, not politicians.
Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said the scale of the alleged crimes suggests the case cannot be limited to the actions of a single individual. "I agree that it is difficult to commit such a crime alone. The investigation must establish everything," he said.
Kobakhidze confirmed that investigators have already reached preliminary conclusions but declined to go into details. "The investigation takes its time. The investigation was conducted, preliminary findings were made, and it will continue. The rest will be said by the investigation," Kobakhidze stated.
When asked why the case has been classified as secret, Kobakhidze said he had no information on that decision. "I don't know. You should ask the agencies," he said.
Commenting more broadly on corruption, Kobakhidze said the government's priority is preventing future abuses rather than debating past cases. "The main thing for us is that today and tomorrow corruption is prevented," he said, adding that authorities are taking active measures to address the problem.
He also referred to a statement made by Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in December 2023 regarding alleged corruption, saying it marked a turning point. "Since then, we have been actively working and taking concrete measures to eliminate corruption," Kobakhidze said.
He urged the public to report any current wrongdoing. "If you find out anything today or tomorrow, immediately raise your voice and contact us, and we will respond," he said, adding that the government remains accountable for addressing such concerns.
Liluashvili, who led the State Security Service for several years, was arrested earlier this week on large-scale bribery charges and faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Kaladze Accuses EU of Double Standards Over Reaction to US Sanctions
Georgian Dream Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze criticized the European Commission's response to recent US visa sanctions against several European figures, accusing Brussels of applying double standards when similar measures affect its own officials.
"They do not like it when it affects them," Kaladze told journalists. "When they themselves impose demands and sanctions on other countries, it is acceptable. When the same thing happens to them, it becomes a problem. This shows that double standards still exist."
Kaladze referred to past criticism and sanctions directed at Georgian officials by some European states, arguing that the public can now clearly assess global political dynamics. "People see everything clearly today, what processes are underway, who has what interests, who is an enemy and who is a well-wisher," he said, adding that current international developments make such distinctions easier to recognize.
The comments followed the US State Department's decision to impose visa restrictions on five European individuals, including former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton and four heads of organizations involved in countering disinformation. The European Commission strongly condemned the move and demanded an explanation from Washington.
