PM Garibashvili: "I warned a year ago UNM was capable of hidden surveillance"

The Prime Minister has reminded the public of his warning a year ago claiming the United National Movement were capable of illegally tapping people’s phones and eavesdropping on conversations and private situations.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili reiterated his concern while speaking on a talk show on Imedi TV last night.

"Now I want to remind everyone that the National Movement is a party that is trained in several fabrications and so-called imitated news programs, and organizing tracking and surveillance through simulated scenarios. I am not surprised by these people anymore and we are observing this calmly, with a smile," Garibashvili said.

On May 6 allegations were voiced claiming the Rustavi 2 headquarters had been bugged. The channel's management accused Government authorities of being involved in the case. Authorities began investigating the incident the same day.

Meanwhile, PM Garibashvili said Rustavi 2 management was involved in the UNM campaign.

He said this was a sad reality, as many professional journalists were working for the channel.

"It is sad that their opportunities are used by political parties and in this case, by UNM.We have all heard accusations from Gvaramia today and I would like to remind the public that these people, who fight for so-called truth today, have been asserting falsehood with the same professionalism over the past nine years," Garibashvili added.

The investigation into the claims Rustavi 2 was bugged is being investigated under Article 158 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which has particular reference to the issue that the recordings violated the secrecy of private conversations and communication.