Former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava was sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment for embezzlement in the Tbilservice case, though the sentence was reduced to four years and six months in compliance with an amnesty.

The former mayor was fully cleared of charges in the Rike case. In addition, Ugulava was banned from working in public service for a certain period of time. Judge Lasha Chkhikvadze explained that the accused had the right to appeal against the decision and also enjoys the right to be pardoned.

As for the trial, only prosecutors, the media and few employees of the court’s press service were present in the court hall.

Ugulava’s supporters allege that about 10 officers of security services were also present in the hall.

Authors: Khatuna Gagnidze, Joni Patarkatsishvili, Giorgi Ghudushauri