PM Kobakhidze accuses President of “direct crime” over alleged pressure on judges
The President has argued that new elections were “essential” to resolving what she termed a “very deep crisis” in the country, pledging the positive ruling would “return the country to the framework of the Constitution”. Photo: Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday accused President Salome Zourabichvili of committing a “direct crime” by allegedly pressuring judges of the Constitutional Court over her electoral lawsuit, which seeks election rerun for “rigged” parliamentary vote.
In her comments on Sunday, the President called for “every effort” for scheduling the Court session, highlighting the importance of a “positive ruling”.
Speaking at a press briefing, Kobakhidze characterised the President's actions as a “violation of the Constitution” and Georgian law, which he said criminalises both undue influence and illegal communication with judges.
"When a woman called the President announces pressure on the judges of the Constitutional Court, this is a direct crime”, Kobakhidze said, adding the President's age - she is 72 years old - could make authorities hesitant to hold her accountable.
He further described her actions as “hysterical” and claimed she could no longer “maintain red lines”.
The remarks come in response to President Zourabichvili's November 19 filing with the Constitutional Court, seeking the annulment of the October 26 election results.
The President has argued that new elections were “essential” to resolving what she termed a “very deep crisis” in the country, pledging the positive ruling would “return the country to the framework of the Constitution”.