The Georgian State Security Service (SSS) has told director general of the opposition-minded Mtavari Arkhi channel, Nika Gvaramia, a former official under the United National Movement (UNM) government, to ‘strengthen personal security’ as allegedly a hit has been put out against him.
Deputy Head of the Counterterrorism Centre of the SSS Bacha Mgeladze stated earlier today that along with Gvaramia, one other journalist has received a similar warning and that the agency is investigating the case.
Mgeladze did not identify the other journalist.
Gvaramia himself said he was informed about the possible hit in August 2021, at which time the SSS asked him not to make the case public.
Now the agency informed the public itself about the case,” Gvaramia stated.
Gvaramia says that what the SSS did ‘is a crime, unprofessionalism and a political move ahead of the October 2 municipal elections.’
He said that through disclosing the details, the SSS put his and his guards’ life at risk and the ‘agency will be held accountable for this.’
Gvaramia claims that the announcement aimed ‘to threaten media outlets and journalists and to make people believe that Georgia’s ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili ordered his murder.’