Ex-Governor Levan Shonia Granted Bail

On 27 December, The Tbilisi Court granted ex-governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region bail.

Accused of taking an illegal gift of 10,000 USD, Shonia was granted bail of 5,000 GEL. His lawyer Iza Kalatozishvili has stated that the former governor pleads not guilty. He claims that the money he received was used for charitable purposes and not received in exchange for specific services.

The charges against him were made in connection with the ongoing corruption investigation launched in September 2018. The investigation involves the municipal office of Zugdidi.

Zugdidi Mayor Lasha Gogia and his deputy Gia Gulordava were also arrested on charges relating to corruption on November 1. On 24 December, two further municipality employees were apprehended for failing to report a crime and falsely testifying.

Whether Levan Shonia is guilty of his charges, remains to be ruled.

By Amy Jones 
Photo source: dfwatch