Merely two months since PM Irakli Garibashvili threatened Formula TV founder David Kezerashvili with judicial proceedings, his case was reactivated despite acquittals in Tbilisi City and Appeals Courts.
The former Chief Prosecutor Shalva Tadumadze, prior personal lawyer for Bidzina Ivanishvili, linked with Georgian Dream and now a Supreme Court judge was assigned the case.
The appointment of Mr. Tadumadze as a Supreme Court judge became subject of fierce criticism by Georgia’s civil society and opposition. It was also viewed as key event in the context of consolidating grip on the judicial system by the so-called “clan of judges” linked with Georgian Dream.
Both Tbilisi City and Appeals courts rejected the charges pursued by Mr. Tadumadze’s agency. The original case, relying on mere testimonies alleged embezzling funds in military exercises with participation of Israeli specialists while Mr. Kezerashvili served as Defense Minister.
That Mr. Tadumadze will now consider a case against founder of a critical media as a judge which he himself lost as a prosecutor is widely viewed as conflict of interest and politization of judiciary.
France and the UK had earlier rejected the Georgian Government’s request for Mr. Kezerashvili declaring the case against him as politically-motivated.
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