PM Kobakhidze accuses former Georgian Gov't of being “Deep State agents”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that a “Deep State network” operated in Georgia between 2004 and 2012, accusing the former government of systematically violating democratic principles and human rights.

In an interview with Rustavi 2, Kobakhidze stated that Deep State agents are especially active in countries like Georgia, where they often engage in media monopolization, restriction of free speech, and even torture.

“They governed from 2004 to 2012 and left a lasting mark with the Deep State’s signature approach. They built a kind of ‘Georgian Guantanamo,’ monopolized the media, suppressed freedom of speech, and trampled on human rights,” Kobakhidze said.

According to him, the Deep State presence in Georgia began to feel threatened by the end of 2011, prompting its actors to introduce labels such as “pro-Russian” to discredit opponents and protect their grip on power.

“They sensed a threat to their rule and tried to frame anyone challenging them as ‘pro-Russian.’ That’s when this narrative first emerged. But people didn’t buy into it then — just as they don’t now,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze credited the Georgian public for rejecting these narratives in both 2012 and 2024, opting instead for a “national political force.”

“Our party stands out because we represent national interests. That’s our guiding principle — not Western or Russian agendas, but Georgia’s state interests,” he concluded.