Prepared by Messenger Staff
Khabeishvili Alleges Government Scheme to Supply Fuel to Abkhazia
Jailed United National Movement leader Levan Khabeishvili has released a statement from prison alleging that senior Georgian Dream figures organized a scheme to supply fuel to Russian forces in occupied Abkhazia.
In the letter, posted to his Facebook page, Khabeishvili claims Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili was contacted by the Kremlin and then asked businessman Vano Chkhartishvili and his brother to source the fuel. According to Khabeishvili, Chkhartishvili is believed to have brought the company Connect into the arrangement, after which Geka Geladze became involved and the shipment was sent to the occupied territory for use by Russian forces.
Khabeishvili argues the alleged scheme shows the government's support for Russia extends beyond the war in Ukraine. He accuses officials of also backing those responsible for the killing of Ginturi and enabling what he calls the creeping occupation of Georgian territory. Georgian Dream, he wrote, is "pouring gasoline on the dismemberment of Georgia."
Tsilosani Says Garibashvili Followed Gvaramia's Lead
Georgian Dream Parliament Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani says former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili's statement questioning the cause of Lazare Jorbenadze's death echoed earlier calls from opposition Ahali leader Nika Gvaramia to "hurt them, damage them," telling reporters it appears the two are "playing the same game."
Tsilosani says Garibashvili's post resonated only with United National Movement activists and figures she describes as disinformers, naming Gvaramia and TV personality Nanuka Zhorzholiani. She says the Prosecutor's Office response showed that everyone who rallied behind Garibashvili's claims was misled, predicting they will keep denying they have any useful information when questioned.
According to Tsilosani, investigators have concluded, based on interviews with Jorbenadze's family and other evidence, that he died by suicide, and she suggests the case is being used as a chance to damage the Prosecutor's Office and the government politically.
She adds that regardless of how angry or upset someone may be, following the opposition's narrative is unacceptable, saying it is unfortunate that "our former teammate" followed Gvaramia's advice.
