Former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been charged with large-scale money laundering in a dramatic turn of events that marks a spectacular downfall for one of the most loyal allies of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely seen as Georgia's de facto leader. The charges come after investigators raided his home and discovered $6.5m (£4.9m) in cash.
Garibashvili, 43, has twice served as prime minister during Ivanishvili's years - first from 2013-15 and then again from 2021 until January last year. He is now facing corruption charges that could carry a 12-year jail term, and he has been granted bail of one million Georgian lari ($368,000; £277,000).
The case against Garibashvili marks a dramatic fall for a politician who worked in Ivanishvili's companies before entering politics in 2011 as part of the billionaire's Georgian Dream party. The party has been in power since 2012 and is known for its authoritarian pivot away from the West.
Garibashvili's downfall reflects Bidzina Ivanishvili's mistrust of his former political appointees, according to Georgian political analyst Ghia Nodia. "Ivanishvili is really the driver, he decided for some reason that there is some kind of treason in his team," Nodia said.
The corruption case has sparked widespread outrage among opposition leaders and civil society groups, who have been jailed or faced harassment over their involvement in protests against the government's decision to halt membership talks with the European Union. The government's move was seen as a desperate attempt to cling to power after it lost a disputed parliamentary election last year.
Garibashvili's connection to Ivanishvili has raised questions about his loyalty and motivations, particularly given his close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is seen as a key ally of Ivanishvili. The former prime minister's views on NATO enlargement have also been at odds with those of the West.
As Georgia's political turmoil continues, Garibashvili's case serves as a reminder that even the most powerful figures in the country are not above the law. However, many observers believe that Ivanishvili's grip on power remains strong, and that his allies will stop at nothing to protect him from accountability.
Garibashvili, 43, has twice served as prime minister during Ivanishvili's years - first from 2013-15 and then again from 2021 until January last year. He is now facing corruption charges that could carry a 12-year jail term, and he has been granted bail of one million Georgian lari ($368,000; £277,000).
The case against Garibashvili marks a dramatic fall for a politician who worked in Ivanishvili's companies before entering politics in 2011 as part of the billionaire's Georgian Dream party. The party has been in power since 2012 and is known for its authoritarian pivot away from the West.
Garibashvili's downfall reflects Bidzina Ivanishvili's mistrust of his former political appointees, according to Georgian political analyst Ghia Nodia. "Ivanishvili is really the driver, he decided for some reason that there is some kind of treason in his team," Nodia said.
The corruption case has sparked widespread outrage among opposition leaders and civil society groups, who have been jailed or faced harassment over their involvement in protests against the government's decision to halt membership talks with the European Union. The government's move was seen as a desperate attempt to cling to power after it lost a disputed parliamentary election last year.
Garibashvili's connection to Ivanishvili has raised questions about his loyalty and motivations, particularly given his close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is seen as a key ally of Ivanishvili. The former prime minister's views on NATO enlargement have also been at odds with those of the West.
As Georgia's political turmoil continues, Garibashvili's case serves as a reminder that even the most powerful figures in the country are not above the law. However, many observers believe that Ivanishvili's grip on power remains strong, and that his allies will stop at nothing to protect him from accountability.
this is wild! so bidzina ivanishvili's loyal ally garibashvili gets busted for $6.5m in cash 
and now he's facing 12 years in jail 
. but here's the thing, this whole thing just screams ivanishvili's control 
. i mean, garibashvili used to work for him, then became prime minister, and now he's being taken down 
. it's like ivanishvili is trying to show everyone that no one is safe from his wrath 
. anyway, this just adds fuel to the fire 
of georgia's political drama, which is already heating up 
.
and it's just getting more juicy by the minute... i mean, who knew gari was hiding that kinda cash at home? 
anyway, this is a major wake up call for georgia and its people. it shows that no one is above the law, not even those in power 
and it's about time someone held them accountable 
u feel me?! 
so this is crazy... garibashvili gets caught with like 6.5 million bucks in cash just chillin' in his house... and now he's facing 12 years in the slammer 
.
. I'm low-key worried about this because if the West can't even protect its allies from corruption, how are we supposed to trust them with our own lives? 
I'm not surprised to see another rich dude and his lapdog getting cooked by the law 
. Garibashvili was always a puppet for Ivanishvili's games, and now he's paying the price 
. And don't even get me started on his ties to Viktor Orban, that's like a toxic love affair 
.
even if it means taking down some high-profile players like garibashvili 
he's gotta be shaking right now... thought he was untouchable, but I guess even Bidzina Ivanishvili can't save everyone 
. I mean, it's all about power struggles here - Ivanishvili's got everyone worried 'cause his grip on Georgia is pretty tight 
. The thing that's really concerning is how the opposition is getting treated - all these people who were protesting against the government's EU talks are being silenced or jailed... it's just not right 
.
is that a thing??
even if u are a powerhous politician u gotta follow the rules and all that... but omg the drama with the eu membership talks and the opposition leaders gettin jailed or harassed is like soooo not right 