Prepared by Messenger Staff
Giorgi Gakharia Responds to Attack in Batumi, Blames Bidzina Ivanishvili
Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia - for Georgia party, has released a statement addressing the recent attack on him in Batumi. Gakharia linked the assault to Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing him of orchestrating the attack as part of a prolonged campaign of threats against him and his family.
"I want to thank you once again for your support. Starting today, I am returning to my usual rhythm of work," Gakharia said. "As for the attack, it was a pre-planned, ambushed, political revenge. The person who ordered the attack is Bidzina Ivanishvili."
Gakharia went on to explain that Ivanishvili had been threatening him and his family for a long time, in different ways, including publicly.He dismissed concern about the attackers themselves, focusing instead on Ivanishvili, who he claims is behind the violence. "I am dealing with a person who ordered attacks on me and violence against citizens," Gakharia stated.
Regarding the investigation into the attack, Gakharia expressed doubt, suggesting that authorities might attempt to avoid accountability. "We give them the opportunity to save face and not become complicit in violent crimes," he concluded.
Two Georgian Citizens Released After Illegal Detention by Russian Occupation Forces
On January 22, the Georgian State Security Service (SSSG) confirmed the release of two Georgian citizens, Aleksi Mamulia and Ivane Japiashvili, who had been illegally detained by Russian occupation forces. The men are now in Tbilisi-controlled territory.
Mamulia and Japiashvili were detained near the village of Kvemo Nikozi, in Gori municipality, late last year. The occupying forces accused them of assisting military deserter Vladimir Mamardashvili, a fighter from the war in Ukraine, in crossing into Georgia's Tbilisi-controlled areas.
The SSSG reported that their release was facilitated through the European Union Monitoring Mission's operational hotline mechanism, along with other diplomatic efforts by the Georgian government. The statement also emphasized that the responsibility for such actions in the occupied regions lies with the Russian occupying power.
"The central government, together with international partners, continues to work actively for the release of all citizens of Georgia illegally detained in the occupied territories," the SSSG concluded.
