Georgian pro-Russian blogger summoned for questioning on allegations of false terrorism reports

Georgian pro-Russian, far-right blogger Beka Vardosanidze has been summoned for an interview on allegations of false terrorism reports by the country’s State Security Service, the agency reported on Wednesday. 

SSS revealed the investigation centers on messages of terrorist threats sent from a specific email account to various agencies, including it, the Tbilisi Police Department, and Imedi TV Company. The threatening messages detailed the placement of explosive devices in popular venues such as the Basiani club, Rati Bar, and Rustaveli Avenue’s New Year’s event stage, along with surrounding areas and vehicles.

Vardosanidze’s mother disclosed to the media that their residence was searched, with computers and mobile phones confiscated. The seized electronic equipment will undergo thorough analysis as part of the ongoing investigation, SSS confirmed. 

Vardosanidze has garnered a significant following for his anti-liberal, anti-Western, anti-vaccine, and homophobic rhetoric. With over 80,000 followers on Facebook and a wide viewership for his videos, his messages have sparked both support and controversy.

Earlier this month, Vardosanidze publicly criticized the decision of the Georgian Patriarchate to remove an icon from the Holy Trinity Cathedral due to the inclusion of Stalin’s image, branding the move as “disgraceful.”