The Georgian court has replaced the 20,000 GEL bail imposed as a preventive measure on former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili with pre-trial detention. Accordingly, Irakli Okruashvili was arrested right in the courtroom.

Axar.az informs, citing Interpressnews, the decision was made by Judge Nino Tarashvili during today’s pre-trial hearing, thus granting the prosecution's motion to replace bail with detention.

To remind you, Okruashvili is accused of failing to comply with the request of the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament of Georgia. Today’s hearing is focused on the admissibility of evidence.

Irakli Okruashvili had been released on 20,000 GEL bail as a preventive measure and was prohibited from crossing the Georgian border until the case was concluded. He had 30 days to pay the bail, a deadline that expired on May 8. During the hearing, the prosecution requested that the bail be replaced with detention.

Irakli Okruashvili was summoned to appear before the temporary investigative commission of Parliament on March 26 to provide an explanation, but he refused to attend. Following this, the former Minister of Defense was summoned to testify at Tbilisi City Court, where he answered investigators' questions in front of a magistrate judge.

For reference, Irakli Okruashvili has been charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to “Failure to comply with the request of the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament of Georgia.” This offense is punishable by a fine or up to one year of imprisonment, along with the possible revocation of the right to hold office or engage in professional activity for up to three years.