Dear Ambassadors, come to our commission, listen, and only then make assessments about who Mikheil Saakashvili really was. Such a statement Tea Tsulukiani, Chairperson of the Temporary Investigation Commission of the Parliament, made at today’s session where they heard testimony from Nikoloz Goguadze [one of the victims in the so-called Kintsvisi special operation case].

“The German Ambassador, Mr [Peter] Fischer, hope I’ve got the surname right, appears to have a lot of free time, as he never misses the court proceedings involving opposition representatives. When any of them end up in prison, they are certainly provided with the best possible conditions. They’ve even criticised us, saying we are too humane.

Since he evidently has ample free time, I would like to extend an invitation to the German Ambassador: please come, our door is open. We will deliberate, make a decision, and give you the right to attend these sessions with your interpreter.

Listen to what Mr. Nikoloz Goguadze is revealing today about the Kintsvisi special operation - how individuals were beaten, how they were forcibly restrained while still alive, how their spines were broken, and how they were tortured. Hear how one detainee was made to watch the torture of another, leading to forced confessions. Consider the reports of prisoner abuse in Gldani and make your own assessments, Mr. Ambassadors.

We deliberately choose not to specify names or details of the torture because, unlike Saakashvili, we respect the right to privacy and personal dignity. There is a place for you on our commission - please come and listen. Only then will you be able to form a well-informed and accurate understanding of who Saakashvili truly was”, - said Tea Tsulukiani.