Ivanishvili's Son Says He Will Take Legal Action Over Alleged Defamation
By Messenger Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Bera Ivanishvili, the son of billionaire Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, said he has hired lawyer David Asatiani and plans to take legal action over what he described as a coordinated campaign of false and defamatory claims against him and his family.
In a statement posted on social media, Ivanishvili said allegations against him had circulated for years but had become more frequent recently. He said he had previously chosen not to respond, but decided to seek legal action after what he described as a sustained campaign in the media and on social media.
Ivanishvili said recent reports and statements had accused him of protecting so-called call centers, ordering the arrests of certain people and entering into illegal deals.
"Recently, certain media outlets and individuals have been actively circulating claims that I protect so-called 'call centers,' that certain people are being arrested on my instructions, that I enter into illegal deals, and so on," he wrote.
He denied the allegations and said no evidence had been presented to support claims of criminal activity involving him.
Ivanishvili also questioned the use of anonymous sources in some reports, including unidentified people appearing on camera and audio recordings whose authenticity, he said, could not be established.
He said he had decided to pursue the matter in court to protect his reputation and rights.
"With his assistance, I will seek a legal response to each of the vile and defamatory allegations made against me," Ivanishvili said, referring to Asatiani.
He said the decision to seek legal action was not motivated by a desire for revenge, but by a wish to have the allegations examined through legal proceedings.
"I believe that under these circumstances, turning to the courts is not an act of revenge against anyone, but a means of protecting my dignity and rights," he wrote.
Ivanishvili said he wants the courts to determine whether the claims constitute defamation and, if so, for those responsible to be held accountable under the law.
He did not name the specific media outlets or individuals he intends to take action against.
"I am asking only for justice and for the truth to be established, including so that neither I nor anyone else will have to endure such injustice again in the future," Ivanishvili wrote.
