Full-scale war in the region and security challenges are not at the top of the Georgian Dream Government’s priorities. Against this backdrop, Tbilisi City Court proceeded with the case that is widely regarded as an example of politicized justice. Namely, the court imposed EUR 5,060,000 fine on the founder and majority shareholder of Formula TV, Davit Kezerashvili. 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 of Georgia in 2006-2008.
Director General of Formula TV, Zuka Gumbaridze commented on this decision, saying “all this indicates that the government considered it a good time, because everyone is focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Ukraine is in the spotlight. They assume that now is a good time to settle "domestic problems". Their goal is to eliminate critical media in Georgia. The government aims to seize Davit Kezerashvili’s majority share in Formula TV, which will not happen today, though there is the strong indication they will attempt to eventually get there.”
Earlier, Mr Kezerashvili was acquitted by Tbilisi City and the Tbilisi Court of appeals, though the dormant case has been reactivated by Shalva Tadumadze, a former Prosecutor General and personal lawyer to Bidzina Ivanishvili now a Supreme Court judge.
Also, France and the UK had earlier rejected the Georgian Government’s request for Mr. Kezerashvili declaring the case against him as politically-motivated.
Davit Kezerashvili's lawyers commented that Mr Kezerashvili does not intend to pay the fine and the decision will be appealed.
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