“I Am Completely Innocent” – Merabishvili Could not Help Tears in the Courtroom

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Accused Ivane Merabishvili made clarifications about the video-footage spread in social network (planning of the so-called Mukhrovani Mutiny where ex-PM ordered military officers to bring two corpses to him in exchange of high bonuses). Former Minister Interior and Prime Minister of Georgia Ivane Merabishvili stated during the trial into so-called Merabishvili-Tchiaberashvili’s case that he is completely innocent in this case and he has never ordered to kill any person. 

“The video shows that planning procedure was video-recorded openly. I made this statement and I am not ashamed for that. We had information that two Russian advisors participated in the Mukhrovani mutiny together with the people, who acted in accordance to the instructions from Russia. We knew that organizers of the plot had killed them to hush the fact. The video-footage proves that I gave order to find those two corpses. It was very important for us to prove connection between the mutiny and Russian Special Forces. As for interpretation, as if it was order of murder, I want to tell you that one hour later, a group of rangers was arrested in Mukhrovani village and none of them were shot. Nobody was even wounded. Moreover, only organizers were arrested,” Vano Merabishvili said.

He also denied connection of this episode with the arrest of Otanadze and his group in Gldani district, Tbilisi. He said this connection is very artificial. “The unit which arrested Otanadze was not in the territory of Mukhrovani when this special operation was planned.”

At the trial, Merabishvili was questioned about employment program. Former governors of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli regions were also questioned. 

Another issue, that was discussed at the trial on January 30, is accusation against Zurab Tchiaberashvili. He blamed prosecutor’s office in dragging out trials and requested to read collected written evidence at the processes. Prosecutor Natia Songulashvili clarified that materials make up 75 volumes and in parallel to reading those documents, the prosecutor’s office has to study the documents which were signed by both Zurab Tchiaberashvili and Ivane Merabishvili. The defense side is doubtful about the collected materials.

At the trial on January 30, Merabishvili was questioned about Kvariati’s episode (misappropriation of other’s property). “My family has never dreamed to live in luxury. It was impossible with our social status. Today, I want to apologize to my supporters and family members, who are under oppression now, for this unfair accusations,” Merabishvili said in tears. Before statement, he solicited to dismiss state-funded attorney; Judge Natia Barbakadze satisfied his solicitation. Lawyer Valeri Kvantaliani will no longer represent former prime-minister before the court.

Vano Merabishvili is accused under three articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia (bribery of voters, misappropriation of state funds and abuse of professional authority).