Georgian State Security Service investigates disclosure of state secrets

The Georgian State Security Service has launched an investigation into the disclosure of state secrets under the classification of ‘secret,’ the body reported earlier today.

The official statement of the State Security Service reads that the facts of public information dissemination about the official duties of the body’s staff and officials have become more frequent recently, noting that it ‘clearly violates the law on State Secrets.’ 

The body announced that the investigation is underway ‘in order to identify persons involved in possible criminal acts and prevent further disclosure of information containing state secrets,’ the statement said. 

State Security Service did not specify the exact basis of the investigation, noting that it is under the classification ‘secret’ which prohibits the dissemination of additional information on the case. 

Georgian online media outlet on.ge reported that the recently launched investigation might be connected to the opposition-minded TV channel Mtavari Arkhi’s Director Nika Gvaramia’s accusations that the ruling Georgian Dream party executes ‘mass illegal surveillance’ of politicians, members of NGOs, foreign diplomats and the ruling party’s members.

On the other hand, Radio Liberty Georgian service reported that the investigation might be related to a former member of the Georgian Dream party and current Chairman of the NGO Civic Development and Monitoring Centre Giorgi Kuparadze, who  posted on Facebook earlier today that the State Security Service ‘entered his office.’ 

The investigation is ongoing under the second part of Article 320 of the Georgian Criminal Code - the disclosure of state secrets.

The investigation is being conducted by the General Inspection of the State Security Service.