PM Kobakhidze slams Germany for "gross interference" in Georgian justice

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused the German Foreign Ministry of gross interference in Georgia's justice system following Berlin’s demand for the release of a detained activist.

"Before, they rudely and directly interfered in our elections — it was German politicians, it was the EU ambassador, and so on. Now, they are directly and rudely interfering in the independence of justice, and this is absolutely unacceptable, especially since Germany has always been known for its special respect for the rule of law and its principles. We do not recognize Germany," Kobakhidze said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media outlets.

The case in question concerns Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of the major publications Netgazeti and Batumelebi, who was arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer during a rally in Batumi.

Kobakhidze also expressed hope that a change in German leadership could lead to improved relations with Georgia. "Changes in our relations can take place if the new chancellor is free from the influence of the forces of the 'deep state,'" he stated.

Additionally, the Georgian Prime Minister commented on the recent sanctions imposed by the Baltic states on Georgian politicians, MPs, and officials.

"The influence of the 'deep state' is very well seen in the example of the Baltic states, which lost their sovereignty long ago. The steps taken by these states are not serious, although we remain in a mode of unilateral friendship with them," Kobakhidze said.

He recalled that the leaders of the Baltic states had publicly called on Georgia to impose sanctions against Russia.

"There are double standards — Latvia and Lithuania sell several times more wine and alcoholic beverages in Russia than Georgia does, despite the fact that these countries do not even produce wine," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has appealed to Germany's future chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to support holding new elections in Georgia.

On December 14 last year, Georgia held presidential elections under a newly introduced system. For the first time, the head of state was not chosen by direct citizen vote but by a 300-member electoral college. The election resulted in a victory for Mikhail Kavelashvili, the candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream party. However, Zourabichvili refused to recognize the legitimacy of the election, stating, "No one elected anyone."

By Tamilla Hasanova