Prosecutors seek pre-trial detention for Georgian businessman Giorgi Ramishvili on weapons charge

The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has requested pre-trial detention for prominent businessman Giorgi Ramishvili, widely known to the public as "Zarala." The motion has been filed with Tbilisi City Court and assigned to Judge Nana Shamatava.

Ramishvili — founder of major companies including Silk Road Group, Silknet, and Euronews Georgia — was arrested on 6 July at Tbilisi International Airport for the unlawful carrying of a firearm. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the charge falls under Article 236, Part 4 of Georgia’s Criminal Code and carries a potential prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.

The statement from prosecutors says that during security screening at the airport’s departure terminal, Ramishvili was found in possession of a 9mm “WALTHER PPK/S” pistol with a magazine and seven rounds of ammunition. The weapon was registered to him for storage, but not for carrying, making the act illegal under Georgian law.

Ramishvili’s arrest comes months after his companies publicly voiced support for Georgia’s EU integration aspirations. On 30 November 2024 — just two days after anti-government protests erupted — Silknet and Silk Road Group released a statement backing the country’s European path.

“We believe Georgia must remain within the framework of constitutional order and in the European space. Turning away from this path means rejecting freedom, progress, and the future,” the companies stated, adding: “No to violence against peaceful protesters.”