Ex-Defense Minister Izoria denies knowledge of controversial Chorchana episode

Former Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria stated that he had no knowledge—neither formal nor informal—about the Chorchana episode, a politically sensitive case tied to the construction of a police checkpoint near the occupation line in the Georgian village of Chorchana in 2019.

Speaking after being questioned by the General Prosecutor’s Office regarding the case, Izoria emphasized that he had not received any information through personal communication, unofficial sources, or formal channels.

“I had no information about the so-called Chorchana episode—not in informal personal communication and certainly not through formal formats such as government sessions or meetings of the National Security Council. Such a discussion never took place,” Izoria said.

He explained that he only became aware of the situation from public sources and media reports, at the time when a checkpoint had already been installed at the site.

“Unfortunately, the decisions that were made have led to a regrettable outcome. We are witnessing the loss of yet more territory, which is a deeply unfortunate development,” he said.

Izoria also criticized the failure to use the National Security Council as a platform to assess and address potential threats.

“It is the duty of a responsible politician to identify and prioritize national security risks. When you see that a decision could lead to a greater danger, you must think carefully and act accordingly,” Izoria stated.

His comments came after a formal questioning as part of the investigation into the Chorchana case.

The case centers around the decision to construct a police outpost along the occupation line with Russian-occupied South Ossetia by former Prime Minister and then-Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Ruling Georgian Dream claims Gakharia acted unilaterally and without proper coordination, thereby allegedly risking escalation of conflict in the region.

In mid-June, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia launched a broad investigation into alleged sabotage and activities that threatened the country’s constitutional order and national security.