Prosecutor's Office launches investigation into covert audio recordings involving Georgian PM

The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has launched an investigation into the alleged wiretap of a conversation between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, the son of the Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, Bera Ivanishvili, and Anzor Chubinidze, who serves as the Head of the Special State Protection Service.

The Prosecutor's Office says that the investigation is looking into unauthorised recording of a private conversation and/or wiretapping, as well as recording of private communication, illegal use and dissemination of information obtained through technical means.

As part of the investigation, all necessary investigative and procedural actions will be carried out to determine the legality of obtaining and disseminating the recordings. Appropriate examinations will be scheduled to determine the authenticity of the leaked recordings", reads the statement of the Prosecutor's Office.

On March 6, TV Pirveli aired audio conversations in which Bera Ivanishvili seems to be tasking Chubinidze to humiliate and punish youngsters for online posts insulting the Ivanishvili family.

The ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party released a statement the next day, which reads that the ‘fabrication of the recordings seems to be a careful and long work, saved for the right moment'.