Georgian PM dismisses security concerns raised by Irakli Garibashvili

The security of imprisoned former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his family is protected, and the state has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens, said on Tuesday Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Responding to a journalist’s question, Kobakhidze said he did not even see a theoretical risk to Garibashvili’s security referred to in a statement published by the former Prime Minister.

“I saw this statement, but I do not know what it is about. I know one thing: there is a specific verdict, and everything else is entirely a matter for the law enforcement agencies”, Kobakhidze said.

He added that he would not comment further on Garibashvili’s statement, partly because Garibashvili held the position of Prime Minister before him.

“From an ethical standpoint, it would not be right for me to assess his statement. It is a problematic statement, I would say. Not problematic for us, but problematic for him”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Garibashvili’s family interests were also protected.

“I guarantee that this security is protected, and that is why this statement published yesterday is incomprehensible to me. Of course, the security of both him and his family is fully protected. The state has a responsibility to protect the security of its citizens, and in this case, security is protected. I do not even see the theoretical risk referred to in this statement”, Kobakhidze concluded.