Prosecutor’s Office Launches Investigation into Giorgi Gakharia
On June 14, the Prosecutor’s Office announced that former Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri is being questioned on charges of sabotage related to actions taken by former Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia in the village of Chorchana, near the occupation line.
At the time of the incident, Gomelauri was serving as the head of the State Security Service.
“The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia is investigating acts of sabotage, attempted sabotage under aggravating circumstances, assistance to a foreign organisation or an entity under foreign control in hostile activities, and the mobilisation of funds for actions directed against the constitutional order and national security of Georgia,” the statement reads.
The investigation focuses, among other matters, on an operation carried out by Gakharia along the occupation line near Chorchana on August 24, 2019.
Several other high-ranking officials have also been questioned in connection with the case.
Mamuka Khazaradze Summoned Again by Parliamentary Investigative Commission
Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of Lelo–Strong Georgia, has once again been summoned by the Parliamentary Investigative Commission—this time in connection with what the Commission describes as “the detrimental implementation of Georgia’s foreign policy goals from 2012 to 2025.”
“I have been summoned again by the illegitimate commission of the illegitimate parliament—again through a signal, again in violation of the constitution and the law. I have already told you clearly: you will not get my recognition. I am not going to appear! I know you want to detain me. Don’t bother—I am not afraid of you. The fight against the Russian regime will continue to the end!” Khazaradze wrote.
He was previously summoned on March 25 to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani Commission, during a session focused on the case of LLC Magnate and its owner, Jemal Leonidze. Both Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, co-leaders of the Strong Georgia coalition, were summoned but refused to attend.
Khazaradze has been charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which carries penalties of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or disqualification from holding public office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.
As a preventive measure, the court imposed a bail of 50,000 GEL, which Khazaradze has paid.
Coalition for Change Leader Nika Gvaramia Arrested
Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, has been arrested. He was handcuffed at Rustavi Penitentiary No. 12, where he had arrived voluntarily.
Before his arrest, Gvaramia called the emergency number 112 himself upon reaching the prison and requested police presence. According to the patrol officers who responded, they relayed information about his whereabouts to the relevant authorities.
“The oligarchy must fall! Glory to Georgia!” Gvaramia declared as he was being handcuffed.
He has been charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code for failing to appear before the parliamentary investigative commission.
Gvaramia had previously been granted bail set at 30,000 GEL, with a 50-day deadline for payment. After the deadline expired on June 7, the Prosecutor’s Office requested that the court revoke the bail and replace it with pre-trial detention.