Tbilisi City Court has ordered a 70,000 GEL bail for businessman Giorgi Ramishvili, founder of “Silk Road Group” and “Silknet,” allowing his release from the courtroom.
The decision was made by Judge Nana Shamatava, who ruled that the risk of Ramishvili fleeing is minimal. He has been given 30 days to pay the bail.
The preliminary court hearing is scheduled for August 26 at 15:00.
During the session, Prosecutor Nino Tsikhiashvili requested pre-trial detention, arguing that there is a reasonable suspicion Ramishvili might attempt to flee due to fear of a severe sentence, or commit a new crime if released. She also claimed the defendant has a record of repeated administrative offenses, indicating a disregard for the law.
In response, Ramishvili’s lawyer, Irma Chkaduashvili, stated that the case lacks evidence showing a tendency toward criminal behavior. She emphasized that her client has cooperated fully with the investigation and has made no attempt to hide, describing him as a law-abiding citizen.
The defense requested that Ramishvili be granted bail in the amount of 50,000 GEL and released from custody. Ultimately, the judge granted bail, setting it at 70,000 GEL.
Ramishvili was detained under Article 236 of the Criminal Code, concerning the illegal acquisition, possession, carrying, manufacture, transport, shipment, or sale of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or explosive devices.
Ramishvili, founder of “Silk Road Group,” “Silknet,” “Euronews Georgia,” and several other companies, was taken into custody on July 6.