**Georgian Businessman Arrested Over Unregistered Firearm**
On July 7, Giorgi Ramishvili, the founder of the Silk Road Group and a prominent Georgian businessman, was charged with illegally carrying a firearm. The Prosecutor’s Office said that law enforcers seized a gun, a magazine, and cartridges from his hand luggage while he was going through security at Tbilisi International Airport on July 6.
**What Happened**
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Ramishvili had registered the 9mm caliber firearm for possession, but was carrying it illegally. His lawyer, Irma Chkadua, said that this was an “unforeseen mistake” and not connected to politics. However, some people are skeptical about this account.
**Pressure on Politicians and Businessmen**
Ramishvili’s arrest comes at a time when several high-ranking officials and businessmen close to the ruling Georgian Dream party are facing pressure. In June, former Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze was arrested on corruption-related charges. Earlier, Ivanishvili’s former associate Giorgi Bachiashvili was arrested after he was brought back from abroad.
**Controversy Over Legislative Package**
The government is pushing through a legislative package that would bar individuals convicted of financial crimes from leaving the country even after they have served their sentence. Critics say this is aimed at punishing those who Ivanishvili suspects of misusing his funds and breaching trust. Two days before Ramishvili’s arrest, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with businesspeople to discuss “positive trends in the economy.”
**Tornike Rizhvadze Shot**
Today, July 7, Tornike Rizhvadze, a former head of the Adjara government, was hospitalized after being shot. Pro-government media said this was a suicide attempt, but critics are skeptical.
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