The governor of the Shida Kartli region, Mikheil Kareli, who has close links to the ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, lashed out at the Georgian authorities after he and other local administration officials were prevented from entering the local city council building following the arrest of several officials in the town of Gori.

“It is a disgrace when members of the local administration, elected by the local population, are barred from entering the building to hold a session. This is really disgraceful, especially when the country purports to adhere to democratic principles,” Kareli told reporters on September 12.

“Because of this terrible incident I will really have to reconsider my position and future,” the governor added.

Although Kareli refused to go into further details, commentators have read much into his comments in light of the impending launch of a new political party to be led by the former defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili.

The incident was sparked by the arrest of several officials, including Vasil Makharashvili, the governor of Gori, Nugzar Papunashvili, the deputy chairman of the local administration and Gaioz Dzanadia, the governor of the Kareli district. All of them are accused of misappropriating state funds.

Police sealed off the local administration building to search for additional evidence. This apparently angered many local people, who then tried to storm the building.

Mikheil Kareli and an MP from the ruling party, Teo Tlashadze, who is also an Okruashvili ally, were among the protesters.

“Of course, it's all political,” MP Tlashadze told reporters.

Giga Bokeria, an influential lawmaker from the ruling party, said that the arrests of corrupt officials should not have caused such a commotion. “Membership of the ruling party or government does not give anyone the right to steal money,” he said.

“And quitting the ruling party doesn't confer immunity either – we are building a state, where crime will be investigated,” MP Bokeria said.