Patriarchate on leaked files: we are waiting for explanations from gov’t
The files contained the personal data of top clerics pointing at alleged crimes such as spying for Russia, taking bribes and sexual relations with minors. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The Georgian Patriarchate says it is waiting for the Georgian government to explain alleged leaked files on clerics from the State Security Service (SSS) which surfaced on September 13.
Secretary of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II and Archpriest Mikael Botkoveli stated that the Patriarchate of Georgia will make an official statement regarding the issue in about two days, noting that a meeting of a Holy Synod has not been scheduled yet.
We are waiting for explanations from the government regarding the purpose of this (alleged illegal surveillance) and why it was done,” archpriest Botkoveli said.
Georgian media outlets received a link to thousands of files titled 'Georgian State Security Sevice’s compromising materials against the Patriarchate’ from an unidentified sender which contained data of illegal surveillance since 2014, under the Georgian Dream (GD) government.
An investigation is looking into the authenticity of allegedly leaked files and representatives of various media outlets are being questioned regarding the issue.
The files contained the personal data of top clerics pointing at alleged crimes such as spying for Russia, taking bribes and sexual relations with minors.
The ruling party accuses the largest opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, saying that it is a ‘dirty, anti-state provocation aiming to spark tension in the country ahead of the October 2 municipal elections.’
Two opposition political parties Lelo for Georgia and Gakharia’s For Georgia demanded the creation of a parliamentary investigation commission on the case with the involvement of the Georgian ombudsperson and foreign experts.
The files have been removed from the internet and are no longer available for the public.
Police are looking into the authenticity of allegedly leaked files on clerics and politicians from the State Security Service (SSS) which surfaced on September 13. Georgian media outlets received thousands of files titled 'Georgian State Security Sevice’s compromising materials against Patriarchate’ online from an unidentified sender which contain data of possible illegal surveillance by the state body.
Lelo - Partnership for Georgia opposition parliamentary faction and ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia party have demanded the creation of a parliamentary investigation commission on the personal data files allegedly ‘leaked’ from the country’s State Security Service (SSS).
The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party says that the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party has plans to release secret recordings of the private life of public figures ‘or their fabrication’ from abroad in the coming days to spark tension ahead of the October 2 municipal elections.
The Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the release of alleged files on clerics and politicians leaked from Georgia’s State Security Service (SSS). The Prosecutor’s Office has urged everyone, including media outlets, which have the files to cooperate with investigators.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has responded to the release of alleged files on clerics and politicians leaked from Georgia’s State Security Service (SSS), stating that it is a ‘dirty provocation of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party against state institutions.’He said that the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) is ‘well-aware’ of the UNM goal to ‘undermine state institutions and damage the country’s image.’
Georgian media outlets have received files allegedly leaked from the country’s State Security Service (SSS), which contain personal data on clerics. The media outlets received a link to the files earlier today from ‘Hakim Pasha,’ titled 'Georgian State Security Sevice’s compromising materials against Patriarchate.’
Allegedly leaked files on clerics and politicians from the State Security Service (SSS) are highly unlikely to be falsified and indicate systematic illegal surveillance, the country’s well-respected, non-governmental Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) reports. Thousands of files containing the personal data of clerics and politicians obtained via alleged illegal surveillance were published on the internet several days ago and sent to various media outlets.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated that the release of alleged leaked files on clerics from Georgia’s State Security Service (SSS) is a conspiracy against the state and the church. Garibashvili said that the country’s opposition ‘launched a dirty campaign’ against the Patriarchate and church a year ago, noting that ‘their main goal is to discredit the church, the army, the police in order to demoralise them.’
Leader of the opposition Lelo for Georgia party Mamuka Khazaradze has stated that the leaked files on clerics from the State Security Service (SSS) which surfaced on September 13 contain documents of his communication with seven bishops, monastery leaders and abbots. Khazaradze was questioned by the Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office earlier today after which he stated that the law enforcers showed him the materials for the last three years revealing the illegal surveillance, noting that a total of 40 episodes were introduced to him.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has stated that Georgia is committed to the principles of the Venice Convention, in response to EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell’s statement over the alleged illegal surveillance of diplomats. "Georgia is committed to all international obligations, which provide for the full and smooth functioning of the diplomatic corps in the country and adheres to the principles of the Venice Convention,” the ministry’s statement reads.