Veterans Affairs official questioned in opposition leader Baramidze treason, sabotage investigation

Koba Liklikadze, coordinator of the Protocol and Public Relations Division of Georgia's State Service of Veterans Affairs, was questioned by the Prosecutor General's Office as part of an investigation into alleged treason and sabotage involving former government official and the opposition United National Movement member Giorgi Baramidze.

Speaking to journalists after the questioning on Monday, Liklikadze said he did not believe Baramidze should be imprisoned, noting that Russia had already sentenced him in absentia.

"The investigator asked me about my involvement in the 1992-93 war, my experience during that period, whether I had seen captured Abkhaz fighters, whether I had met Giorgi Baramidze, and what I knew about the prisoner-exchange process and his involvement in the fighting," Liklikadze said.

He said he had not personally seen Baramidze during the conflict but had heard from colleagues at the Veterans Affairs press centre that Baramidze had participated in prisoner exchanges.

Liklikadze also recalled an incident involving a young Abkhaz prisoner whom he interviewed before the prisoner was exchanged. According to Liklikadze, the prisoner said at the time that he had been treated well by Georgian forces.

"Someone who is a statesman and has held various public offices should not make such a statement. They should have the courage to apologise promptly and correct what they stated so clearly and unequivocally," Liklikadze said.

He added that veterans were particularly expecting an apology from Baramidze.

"Veterans have neither high salaries nor good social conditions, unlike many Georgian politicians. What they have is their dignity. Saying that prisoners were being shot, while portraying the other side as angels acting with 'Russian discipline,' insults their dignity," Liklikadze said.

He nevertheless stressed that he did not believe Baramidze should be imprisoned.

"I do not think it is right for Giorgi Baramidze to end up behind bars - a person whom Russia has already sentenced to six years and six months in prison," he said.

Asked about a statement issued by the de facto authorities in Abkhazia, Liklikadze described it as a "collateral consequence" of Baramidze's remarks.

"But we will resolve this among ourselves. We do not need anyone to act as an advocate for the Abkhaz side," he said.