President of Georgia Faces Threat of Criminal Prosecution for Unauthorized International Visits

President of Georgia Faces Threat of Criminal Prosecution for Unauthorized International Visits

President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is facing the threat of criminal prosecution after making unauthorized visits to international capitals without the consent of the government. This comes after the Constitutional Court ruled that any visit made without government consent is a violation of the Constitution. The Parliament failed to impeach the President despite the court’s decision, leading ruling party representatives from the Georgian Dream party to issue the warning of criminal prosecution if she continues with these visits.

Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament, highlighted that such visits should not be considered official or working visits, as they are personal trips that should not be funded by the state budget. He called on the President’s well-wishers, both Georgian and foreign, to advise her against disregarding the Constitution. Papuashvili emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and urged foreign partners not to encourage its violation.

Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream party, echoed the sentiments expressed by Papuashvili. He stated that any further personal visits made by the President, even at her own expense, would constitute a gross violation of the Constitution. Kobakhidze pointed out that failure to comply with the court’s decision can result in criminal charges, which would be determined by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Anri Okhanashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, clarified that presidential immunity only applies during the President’s term in office and does not protect against crimes committed after leaving the presidency. He highlighted that law enforcement agencies would be responsible for taking appropriate legal action in such cases.

A UNM MP, Ana Tsitlidze, expressed concerns that the ruling Georgian Dream party may take drastic measures against any opposition to its perceived Russian plan. While the President of Georgia is currently seen as obstructing this plan, Tsitlidze emphasized that it is crucial for the President to speak clearly and loudly against vague matters to ensure additional immunity.

Salome Samadashvili, a Lelo deputy, warned that the ruling Georgian Dream party may resort to Soviet-like methods to fight against institutions and individuals that go against their agenda. She did not rule out the possibility of criminal charges being brought against the President as a result of her international visits.

Khatia Dekanoidze, a member of the Euro-optimists, cautioned that the President’s international visits could potentially lead to criminal charges, as expressed by Kobakhidze.

Beka Liluashvili, a member of the For Georgia party, believed that the ruling Georgian Dream party may hint at criminal prosecution as a means to counter opposition. He expressed confidence that any initiatives conflicting with the will of the Georgian people would ultimately be defeated.

The President of Georgia is now faced with the decision of whether to proceed with her international visits or risk potential criminal prosecution. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between different political factions in Georgia and the need for all parties to uphold the Constitution. The repercussions of the President’s actions and the response of the government and law enforcement agencies remain to be seen.