The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has arrested Gia Baramidze, one of the leaders of the United National Movement [UNM]/former Minister of Internal Affairs and Defence, pursuant to a court warrant on charges of state treason, specifically manifested through sabotage. The relevant statement the Deputy Prosecutor General, Amiran Guluashvili, made at today’s briefing.

“As the public is aware, during the broadcast of Iago Khvichia’s author program “The Birth of Georgia” in July this year, G. Baramidze claimed that during the initial stage of the 1992–1993 armed conflict in Abkhazia, representatives of the Georgian armed forces did not take prisoners and executed them on the spot, thereby accusing the Georgian Armed Forces of violating international humanitarian law and committing grave war crimes.

The investigation conducted by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia unequivocally ruled out any instances of executions of prisoners by representatives of the Georgian armed forces or other participants in the armed conflict.

This had already been known to the public and the international community and had never been a subject of discussion.

The information disseminated by G. Baramidze is unfounded and fabricated, carries a deliberate ideological and informational character, and serves to undermine Georgia’s state and national interests, external security, defence capabilities, and state institutions.

G. Baramidze’s statements have harmed Georgia’s international standing and image, creating legal and political risks that could fuel international campaigns and legal proceedings directed against Georgia.

His remarks damaged the reputation of the Georgian Defence Forces and tarnished the honour and dignity of veterans and fallen servicemen of the War in Abkhazia.

At the same time, Giorgi Baramidze’s actions posed a threat to the process of reconciliation and confidence-building with conflict-affected populations, damaged Georgia’s peace and de-occupation policy, and hindered the normal functioning of state agencies, including the activities of the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and the effective functioning of mechanisms established by the Office for confidence-building and cooperation.

Giorgi Baramidze will be formally charged with state treason, specifically sabotage, based on evidence gathered through the investigation, which provides for a penalty of up to four years’ imprisonment.

The Prosecutor’s Office will apply to the court within statutory deadlines requesting remand in custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and further updates regarding its progress and outcomes will be provided to the public”, - said Amiran Guluashvili.