Georgian PM highlights importance of investigation on previous Gov't for “democratic development”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday claimed investigating alleged crimes committed by the previous United National Movement Government between 2003-2012 was “important” for the country’s “democratic development”. 

Speaking to journalists in Dubai, following the World Governments Summit,  Kobakhidze pledged a newly established parliamentary investigative commission on the matter would act “transparently”. 

Many crimes were committed by the then regime, and the reminder of these crimes is very important”, he said. “The parliamentary investigation is no less important, if not more important. This process will be held publicly, in front of the public, and we must once again remember all the crimes that the then regime had committed while in office”, the official added. 

The PM further listed “serious offences committed” during that period, including “killing and torture of individuals, systemic crimes in prisons, and large-scale business racketeering that affected tens of thousands of people”. 

He also mentioned the 2008 war with Russia as a “crime that should be investigated”. 

Kobakhidze also alleged the domestic opposition figures were “fearful of the process” because they were “aware of their past crimes”. 

Thus, the investigation is dangerous for them. They will try their best to avoid the engagement”, he claimed.  “However, the Government, specifically the Prosecutor’s Office, has all the leverage to properly conduct the relevant investigation”, the official pledged. 

The PM further reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to “ensure justice and hold those responsible accountable”. 

In his comments, Kobakhidze also accused “foreign actors” and the domestic opposition of “coordinated efforts against the Georgian state, independent media, and national interests”.  

He suggested that external forces were “behind past and current attacks on state institutions”.

At one time, they tried to drag us into the [Russia-Ukraine] war with this coordination, but they failed. They failed to drag us into sanctions [against Russia] or ensure the sending of volunteers [to Ukraine] with the official consent of the Government”, Kobakhidze claimed. “Their goal was to escalate the situation and collapse the country’s economy, but all attempts were unsuccessful”, he added. 

The PM further alleged the opposition, particularly the UNM and its “affiliates”, were “being directed by foreign entities” to “harm national interests”.