28 Aug 2026
US embassy in Georgia says ex-Defence Minister Okruashvili’s arrest raises concerns of political interference
The US Embassy to Georgia says that the recent arrest of former Defence Minister, and current opposition leader Irakli Okruashvili has raised concerns of political interference and the selective use of justice, Agenda.ge reports.
"The case casts a shadow over the impartial application of justice – a concern the March 8 Joint Statement was intended to dispel. We urge all signatories to uphold the letter and spirit of the March 8 agreement”, the US Embassy says.
Okruashvili was found guilty in the June 20 rally case yesterday and was sentenced to five years in prison by a Tbilisi City Court today.
Okruashvili was acquitted of organising group violence, however, he was found guilty of participating in group violence.
Okruashvili served as prosecutor general, interior and defence minister under the United National Movement government.
After opposing former president Mikheil Saakashvili back in 2007, he was detained on corruption charges.
Okruashvili left for France several days after he was released, where he lived until 2012.
He returned to Georgia in winter 2012, shortly after the Georgian Dream leadership defeated the nine-year-rule of the United National Movement leadership.
Currently he chairs the Victorious Georgia opposition party and is “fighting to regain his shares” of the Rustavi 2 channel.
Latest news
Latest newsA New Economic Framework for Central Asia and the Caucasus: The Role of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan
28.Aug.2026
Moscow Warns London: Russia Considers Strikes on British Military Targets
27.Aug.2026
Kazakhstan Launches a New Economic Strategy: GDP Growth, Investment and Pension Reform
27.Aug.2026
CIA Director Visits Moscow: Trump Hopes for Results
26.Aug.2026
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Warns of Risk of Gradual Defeat in War with Russia
25.Aug.2026
Putin Authorizes Temporary State Management of Critical Infrastructure Vulnerable to Drone Attacks
24.Aug.2026
The United States Rapidly Expands Missile Production: Pentagon Accelerates Output of Tomahawks and Other Critical Weapons
24.Aug.2026
Record Supplies: Armenia Boosts Fish Exports to Georgia
23.Aug.2026
Political Battle During Wartime: Zelensky Opposes Elections
23.Aug.2026
Romania Approves Construction of One of the Largest Solar Power Plants in Europe
23.Aug.2026
Ex-Ukrainian Defence Minister Fails in Bid to Pressure Zelenskiy
22.Aug.2026
Upper Lars: Why Border Queues Have Become a Political Signal for Georgia and Russia
22.Aug.2026
Russia-Ukraine War: No Decisive Breakthrough on the Front and Intensifying Ukrainian Deep Strikes on Russia
21.Aug.2026
TRIPP, Peace, and a New Geopolitical Crossroads: How Armenia Has Changed One Year After Washington
20.Aug.2026
Tokayev Updates Kazakhstan Foreign Policy Concept: Astana Strengthens Its Strategic Multi Vector Approach
19.Aug.2026