Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia's former Prime Minister, faces serious charges of money laundering and corruption, marking a significant fall from grace for a key ally of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. Garibashvili has pleaded guilty and could face a 12-year prison sentence. His case is notable as it represents the first prosecution of a senior member of Georgia's ruling elite amid increasing authoritarianism and political turmoil in the country.