Irakli Okruashvili's supporter arrested

The Tbilisi City Court has ruled to arrest Koba Koshadze, a bodyguard of Irakli Okruashvili, the leader of the "Victorious Georgia" Party. He is charged with illegal possession of weapons.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 18, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found the decision of the Georgian Supreme Court (SC) to transfer the assets of the "Rustavi-2" TV Company to its former owner Kibar Khalvashi as legitimate. On the same day, Nika Gvaramiya, the director general of the company was fired; and Paata Saliya, a Khalvashi's advocate, was appointed in his place. However, Gvaramiya stated that he would not leave his post, adding that his contract was valid until the end of 2020.

On July 17, law enforcers searched Koba Koshadze's home and detained him on suspicion of illegal possession of firearm. Okruashvili believes that the firearm was planted on his bodyguard. The "Victorious Georgia" Party believes that the persecution of Koshadze is an attempt of Georgian authorities to intimidate Okruashvili.

On July 19, the above court ruled to restrict Koba Koshadze's freedom by placing him in custody. Investigators charge him with illegal acquisition and possession of firearms.

"There are enough proofs to bring him to criminal responsibility. There is evidence ... witnesses' testimonies confirming Koshadze's guilt," the "Rustavi-2" TV company quotes both the prosecutor, Giorgi Mukbaniani, and Koba Koshadze, as saying.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 20, 2019 at 05:43 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.