Ruling party leader accuses Georgian president of engaging in anti-state activities

Irakli Garibashvili, Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, slammed President Salome Zourabichvili's decision to pardon Lazare Grigoriadis, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for burning a policeman and setting fire to a police car.

Garibashvili's condemnation came during a press briefing on April 13, where he characterized the pardon as "anti-state activities", Interfax reports.

"The decision to pardon made by President Salome Zourabichvili cannot be called other than anti-state. She pardoned a man who threw a 'Molotov cocktail' at a policeman and wished to burn him alive. This footage was made public and it was seen all over the world," he told reporters.

Garibashvili questioned Zourabichvili's ability to carry out her presidential duties effectively, particularly in the lead-up to reelection. He insinuated that her actions were aligned with those of the radical opposition.

The Georgian president had revealed her intention to grant Grigoriadis clemency during an appearance on Pirveli TV the day prior.