Georgian PM says espionage is ‘betrayal of homeland’ and arrests should serve as warning

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said espionage and acting as an agent for a foreign state constitute betrayal of one’s homeland, adding that recent arrests should serve as an example to others.

Kobakhidze made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Veterans’ Culture and Recreation Park, where he paid tribute to those killed in the Second World War on the 81st anniversary of the victory over fascism.

“It does not matter which country a spy serves. A spy is always a spy, and espionage, acting as an agent, in every case means betraying one’s homeland,” the PM said.

He criticised attempts by some politicians in the past to “popularise” cooperation with foreign intelligence services when linked to certain countries.

“An agent, regardless of whom they serve, always betrays the interests of their own country and demonstrates a willingness to stand against the interests of their own state,” Kobakhidze stated.

“Whoever decides to act as an agent in favour of another state against their own country should know that the state will be principled towards everyone,” he said.

Kobakhidze added that the Government would not disclose the country allegedly involved in the espionage case in order to protect interstate relations.

“However, this is a clear warning to everyone — it does not matter whose agent you are. Acting as an agent is always a crime against your homeland, and the state will be especially firm in such cases,” he said.