Georgian Parliament Speaker slams European nations for “sheltering international criminal” ex-Defence Minister

Shalva Papuashvili, the Georgian Parliament Speaker, on Friday criticised European nations, accusing them of providing refuge to David Kezerashvili, the former Defence Minister of Georgia under the United National Movement Government, whom he also labelled an “international criminal”. 

Papuashvili said Kezerashvili had “misappropriated millions from the Georgian army” and used the funds to “purchase diamonds and jewellery” during the Russia-Georgia war in 2008. 

Kezerashvili stole millions from the Georgian army several months before the August war and, presumably, with these millions, he bought diamonds and jewellery towards the end of the August war”, the official claimed. 

The European Court of Human Rights last week upheld the Georgian Supreme Court’s ruling that Kezerashvili had embezzled over €5 million during his tenure in the position between 2006-2008.

Highlighting Kezerashvili’s “presence and free movement” throughout the European Union and United Kingdom territories, Papuashvili called on Western diplomats to explain their stance. 

We should remember this every time we hear statements from British or EU diplomats on issues of democracy and the rule of law in Georgia. Before these people talk about a democratic and legal state in Georgia, the first thing they should answer is why are they sheltering an international criminal on their own territory?”, he asked.

The Speaker also accused Kezerashvili of having “abandoned” Georgian servicemembers during the war while “indulging in luxury”. 

On August 12, when Georgian soldiers were abandoned on the battlefield, while the Georgian Church was busy retrieving the fallen servicememers, Kezerashvili was buying diamonds with the money stolen from the army”, he said. 

The Speaker further criticised opposition groups, media outlets, and non-governmental organisations allegedly funded by Kezerashvili, claiming they “undermine Georgia’s interests while promoting a foreign agenda”. 

Kezerashvili's television [Formula TV], his funded parties, the United National Movement, [Nika] Gvaramia’s party [Ahali] and NGOs like the Shame movement, which is also funded by the European Union and Kezerashvili, are talking to us about Georgia and its European future”, he said. 

He also claimed “people with these morals were yesterday the ones who applauded foreigners [a delegation of European Parliament members] who had come to Rustaveli Avenue to teach the Georgian people some wisdom”, amid ongoing protests against the Government's decision to postpone the country’s EU accession talks until 2028.