Giorgi Bachiashvili, former aide to Georgia's de facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, was arrested in Dubai and deported to Tbilisi, with his lawyers expressing deep concern he is at risk of torture. Bachiashvili, convicted in absentia for stealing $42.7m from Ivanishvili, had fled Georgia and accused Ivanishvili of aligning the country with Russia.
Ex-aide to Georgia’s de facto leader at risk of torture, lawyers say
GeorgiaDubaiUnited Arab EmiratesMiddle East and north AfricaEuropeWorld
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Giorgi Bachiashvili, former aide to Georgia's de facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, was arrested in Dubai and deported to Tbilisi, with his lawyers expressing deep concern he is at risk of torture. Bachiashvili, convicted in absentia for stealing $42.7m from Ivanishvili, had fled Georgia and accused Ivanishvili of aligning the country with Russia.
Trending- 1 2012-2013: Bidzina Ivanishvili served as prime minister of Georgia.
- 2 After 2022: Ivanishvili's alleged shift towards Russia became evident.
- 3 Two months ago: Bachiashvili convicted in absentia by a Georgian court.
- 4 Earlier this month: Bachiashvili spoke to The Guardian.
- 5 Recently: Bachiashvili detained in Abu Dhabi, transported to Dubai, and deported to Tbilisi.
- Bachiashvili is at risk of torture
- Highlights concerns about human rights and political instrumentalization of law in Georgia
- Further exposes alleged Russian influence in Georgian politics
What: Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former aide to Georgia's de facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, was arrested in Dubai and deported to Tbilisi, with his lawyers fearing he is at risk of torture.
When: Arrested recently; convicted in absentia two months ago; Ivanishvili was prime minister between 2012 and 2013; Bachiashvili spoke to The Guardian earlier this month; Ivanishvili's alleged shift towards Russia became evident after 2022.
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Tbilisi, Georgia; Jumeirah Beach hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Why: Bachiashvili fled Georgia after falling out with Ivanishvili and being convicted in absentia for theft; his lawyers believe his arrest and deportation are politically motivated due to his accusations against Ivanishvili regarding Russia.
How: Bachiashvili was detained by local security services in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi, transported to a police station in Dubai, and put on a flight to Georgia.