PM Garibashvili ‘doesn’t exclude’ ex-PM Gakharia’s role in leaked personal data

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has stated that the country’s former PM Giorgi Gakharia, who is now in opposition and is running for Tbilisi mayor, could have connections with recently leaked personal data on clerics. 

 

Garibashvili said earlier today that Gakharia, who also served as the country’s interior minister, and his party member Aleksandre Khojevanishvili had access to classified information. 

 

“Investigation has been launched into the case and it will find out whether the leaked data are fabrication or it is related with a more serious crime,” Garibashvili said. 

 

He stated that ‘everyone involved in treason will be strictly punished.’

 

Earlier Garibashvili said that the United National Movement opposition party is behind the ‘dirty, anti-state provocation.’ 

 

The ruling Georgian Dream party and Garibashvili had earlier accused Gakharia of treason and expressed suspicion that he (Gakharia) could ally with the United National Movement to overthrow the current government. 

 

Gakharia left the ruling party and PM’s post back in February 2021 because of controversies with the party leadership over the issue of the United National Movement head Nika Melia. 

 

Gakharia stated then that Melia committed crime when he refused to post his bail. However,he said that Melia’s arrest that time, amid the political crisis in the country, would have further complicated the tension.