State Security Service probes into conspiracy to overthrow state

Noting that the investigation is now underway, the security service said it will react to ‘any anti-constitutional, illegal act’. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Agenda.ge, 07 Nov 2020 - 11:09, Tbilisi,Georgia

The State Security Service of Georgia has launched an investigation into the conspiracy intended to overthrow the state power.

The security service announced yesterday that the investigation was launched on October 1 based on ‘operative information’ claiming that ‘certain people were planning to violently overthrow the government’ if the results of October 31 parliamentary elections would not be beneficial for them.

To achieve this, they formed mobile groups composed of former law enforcers and military servants, the statement reads.

The State Security Service also announced that a number of witnesses have been questioned, including the ruling Georgian Dream party Executive Secretary Irakli Kobakhidze.

The security service said, Kobakhidze provided them the list of people whom the opposition leaders were intending to use for ‘violent activities’ in election period.

Opposition politicians and their supporters, who refuse to accept the parliamentary election results, rally in Tbilisi and regions, demanding repeat elections. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Irakli Kobakhidze was questioned on November 5 over his recent statements concerning the ‘revolutionary scenario’ which he had claimed the opposition was planning to develop amid the parliamentary elections.

He then told journalists that he provided the security service with information about the opposition United National Movement (UNM) leaders and activists, who aimed to trigger violence and lead to revolution.

The person, who gave the list of alleged mobile group composition to Kobakhidze, has also been questioned, as the security service said.

Noting that the investigation is now underway, the security service said it will react to ‘any anti-constitutional, illegal act’.