Gharibashvili Accuses Georgian Dream of Political Persecution in Latest Prison Letter
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has accused the government of conducting a "disgusting and tragic" political campaign against him in a new letter from Rustavi prison.
Gharibashvili dismissed an investigation launched after one of his previous letters as politically motivated and questioned why opposition figures were being interviewed in connection with the case.
He rejected suggestions that he had any links to the United National Movement, saying the government was trying to connect him with the opposition through what he called "ridiculous and weak" propaganda.
"Just as water and oil do not mix, it is impossible to connect me and the National Movement," Gharibashvili wrote.
He also mocked claims that he was an agent of the "deep state" and France.
"I am lucky that I do not know other foreign languages, otherwise, they would probably declare me an 'agent' of other countries as well," he wrote.
Gharibashvili said the government's response to his previous letter had exposed the political system and accused officials of launching inquiries aimed at portraying his actions as coordinated with the opposition.
"The panic reaction and absolutely inadequate behavior of the government have completely lustrated the system," he wrote, describing the government's response as a "completely disgusting and tragic masquerade."
He also questioned the handling of an investigation into the death of Lazare Jorbenadze, saying it had been ongoing for nearly five months.
According to Gharibashvili, people and journalists who had publicly raised questions about the case had not been questioned, while people who responded publicly to his letter were questioned soon after it was published.
He called on the government to stop what he described as "dirty political games" against him and said he remained loyal only to Georgia.
"People also know very well that I serve neither the West, nor the East, nor the North, nor the South. I serve Georgia!" he wrote.
Gharibashvili also addressed Shalva Papuashvili directly, rejecting the characterization of the proceedings as a legal process.
"Shalva, this is not a legal process-this is ruthless political persecution!" he wrote.
The former prime minister also addressed his former political allies, saying he was not engaged in a fight with anyone but had been betrayed.
"I am not fighting anyone-you stabbed me in the back," Gharibashvili wrote. "And now I am forced to defend myself and my family from this injustice and cruelty."
