**Member of National Movement Held in Custody Over Bribery Allegations**
In a move that has sparked controversy, Lasha Tsanava, a member of the opposition party “National Movement”, has been ordered to be held in custody as a preventive measure. The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Mikheil Jinjolia after a hearing today.
The prosecution, led by Prosecutor Giorgi Kavsadze, had requested that Tsanava be placed in custody due to the seriousness of the allegations against him. According to Kavsadze, Tsanava had contacted a foreign citizen via WhatsApp and offered to obtain a one-year residence permit in Georgia for a fee of 5,600 USD. The prosecutor claimed that the foreign citizen had transferred 150 USD from a TBC Bank branch on Kazbegi Avenue to Tsanava’s account, which would be deducted from the total amount.
The prosecution presented audio and video recordings as evidence, claiming that Tsanava had boasted about his influential friends and used his own accounts to carry out the alleged crime. Kavsadze also suggested that other individuals might be involved in the crime and that Tsanava could potentially coordinate with them to align their positions.
However, the defense team, led by attorney Lasha Tkhesheladze, disputed these claims. Tkhesheladze argued that the two Iranian citizens involved in the case were agent-provocateurs who had targeted Tsanava to fabricate a case against him. The attorney claimed that Tsanava’s actions were not cynical but rather an honest attempt to provide assistance to others.
Tkhesheladze also pointed out that there was no risk of Tsanava absconding, committing new crimes, or influencing witnesses, and therefore, he should have been released without any preventive measure. Unfortunately, the judge granted the prosecution’s motion, and Tsanava is now being held in custody as a preventive measure.
**Commentary**
The decision to hold Tsanava in custody has sparked concerns among opposition parties and civil society groups. They argue that the move is an attempt to silence a vocal critic of the government. The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies, particularly when it comes to sensitive cases involving influential individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential to ensure that due process is followed, and the rights of all parties involved are respected. It remains to be seen whether Tsanava’s detention will have a chilling effect on free speech and political activity in Georgia or if it will ultimately lead to greater accountability within the government.
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