Ruling party MP: investigation into October 4 case ‘unprecedented’

Parliamentary Majority Leader and Chair of the Georgian Dream faction, Irakli Kirtskhalia, has described the investigation conducted by Georgia’s State Security Service into the October 4 anti-government protest case as unprecedented, following the arrest of Bachana Akhalaia, former law enforcement official under the United National Movement government. 

Speaking about the case, Kirtskhalia said investigators were able to reconstruct communications between Akhalaia and a specific group with minute-by-minute and second-by-second precision, using data obtained from various internet applications and communication platforms.

“We can confidently say that something unprecedented has occurred in Georgian investigative practice. With minute and second-level accuracy, communication between the specific group and Akhalaia was deciphered through the use of internet applications and other technical means,” Kirtskhalia said, expressing gratitude to all investigative bodies involved, noting that the operation was exceptionally complex not only in Georgia but also by international standards.

“This was a highly sophisticated investigation on a global scale. Anyone with even basic knowledge understands how difficult it is to investigate communications conducted via internet applications and closed networks. The fact that this was decoded so precisely is truly unprecedented,” he said.

Kirtskhalia referred to the SSS briefing, highlighting that the timing of communications coincided exactly with the events of October 4, when what authorities describe as a planned “revolutionary” or “government overthrow” scenario was unfolding live.

“The public witnessed how the timeline matched precisely - how members of the group, who are now detained, communicated minute by minute with the main organizer of these actions,” he said.

The parliamentary leader also recalled statements made by Akhalaia and his associates after being questioned by investigators, saying those remarks revealed what he described as their “moral character.”

“It has once again been confirmed why conspiratorial meetings were held at  Akhalaia’s residence and why his spouse was detained two months earlier for involvement in promoting the so-called revolutionary scenario,” Kirtskhalia noted. “After their initial questioning, they claimed they had seen no violence on October 4. Making such statements shortly after leaving the investigative body, despite the facts presented, speaks volumes about their moral stance.”

Kirtskhalia thanked the investigative agencies once again, particularly the State Security Service, and stressed that all individuals involved in what he called “destructive actions” would be held fully accountable under the law.

“Everyone who played even a minor role in this scenario will face the full severity of the law,” he concluded.