Vashadze says he expected court ruling, urges supporters to ‘calmly follow process’

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party, said he had anticipated the court would fully grant the prosecution’s request in his case and called on the public to remain calm as legal proceedings continue.

Vashadze said he knew in advance that his passport would be confiscated and that the court would side with prosecutors. “Before I went in, I knew with 100 percent certainty that the prosecution’s motion would be satisfied,” he said.

He criticised the decision to seize his passport, claiming the move was intended to demonstrate that the authorities could still exert pressure. Vashadze also argued that an identity card should not be taken, saying it is not a document used for travel and noting that he had previously worked on legislation related to identity documentation.

Vashadze said he would secure the bail with real estate, as he had done in a previous case, stating that he considered this the proper approach.

Calling for a measured response, he said: “We must calmly follow the processes. The main thing is that our goal is very clear — we want justice in this country and we want to join the European Union.” He added that the demand for justice extends beyond his supporters to those who do not back him politically.

Under a court ruling in the sabotage case, Vashadze has been released on ₾30,000 ($11,155) bail and banned from leaving the country pending further legal proceedings.