Georgian court detains former opposition leader over bribery allegations

Tbilisi City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for Levan Khabeishvili, former chairman of the opposition party United National Movement, founded by ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Khabeishvili faces charges of offering bribes to law enforcement officers and calling for the overthrow of the government, per Georgian media.

The decision was announced by Judge Pikria Sikturashvili, following the prosecution’s request. Khabeishvili’s lawyers had proposed alternative measures, including bail, electronic monitoring, or house arrest.

Khabeishvili was detained on September 11. Initially, he was accused of offering law enforcement officers $200,000 to refuse their duties and provide him with information, including classified materials.

Subsequently, prosecutors added charges related to publicly calling for the overthrow of the government.

The former party leader had previously suggested a “peaceful overthrow of power” on October 4, the day of municipal elections in Georgia, urging citizens to gather in central Tbilisi to pressure the authorities.

By Khagan Isayev