Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker accuses ex-Defense Minister of ‘disinformation’

Nino Tsilosani, Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, has criticized former defense minister Tina Khidasheli over her recent remarks, accusing her of spreading disinformation and acting against the country’s interests.

In a post on Facebook, Tsilosani questioned how long Georgia would have to endure what she described as “modern-day Ordzhonikidzes [traitors],” referring to historical figures associated with Soviet control over Georgia.

Tsilosani further claimed Khidasheli’s statement illustrated why some political figures were labeled as “traitors” by the ruling camp.

“According to them, the fact that Georgia’s government is trying to avoid risks for its country, not get dragged into the flames of conflict, and pursue a careful and pragmatic policy, is something for which our partner, the United States, will supposedly hold us accountable,” Tsilosani wrote.

She also claimed that individuals like Khidasheli would actively work to spread narratives damaging to Georgia’s reputation abroad.

“We have no doubt that disinformation agents like Tina Khidasheli will actively work on this - writing that Georgia is a place where Russian sanctions are being circumvented, that human rights are violated in the country, or that the lighting of a broadcasting tower, which is a routine protocol event, somehow means that Georgia has betrayed Western values,” Tsilosani said.

Tsilosani concluded by questioning how the country could remain unprotected by law from what she described as such “traitorous” actions.