Opposition Strategy Agmashenebeli vows to investigate Georgian Gov’t “Russian link” when taking office

An opposition MP from  Strategy Agmashenebeli, Paata Manjgaladze, told Front News on Monday that the party would investigate alleged connections between the intelligence agencies of  Russia and Georgia, as soon as they come to power, in comments of recent allegations by the imprisoned former head of the country’s State Security Service, Soso Gogashvili, towards the current Georgian Dream authorities. 

Manjgaladze said that the party had plans to join the initiative of the Lelo opposition party to create a parliamentary investigative commission to study the allegations. However, he said he had “no expectations” of the current ruling party to ensure a “fair process”. 

In further comments, the MP said that “attacking the US Embassy and unleashing a cold war against Ukraine” was “proof” that the Georgian Dream authorities were “connected with the Kremlin”. 

Gogashvili was arrested on July 16, 2022 at his home on three charges. The investigation accuses him of tampering with personal data, exceeding his authority and illegal acquisition and storage of firearms. 

Gogashvili and his family members claim that during  arrest the former official was ill-treated,and that arms and files were planted on him.

The former official said that current Interior Minister and former head of the State Security  Service, Vakhtang Gomelauri, had visited Russia and held “confidential meetings”, including about “bypassing of international sanctions by Russia”. 

Gogashvili has not presented evidence  backing the allegations so far.