South Ossetia’s de facto authorities respond to Georgian inquiry, demand punishment of 2008 war “criminals”

The de facto foreign ministry of South Ossetia has reacted to the activities of the Georgian Dream-led parliamentary commission investigating past government actions, calling for the prosecution of those responsible for the 2008 August War.

“There is no doubt that those who ordered the invasion of South Ossetia and the attack on peacekeepers, as well as those involved in the genocide of the Ossetian people, must be held accountable,” the statement reads. The ministry also referenced the findings of the international commission led by Heidi Tagliavini, which previously concluded that Georgia initiated the conflict.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has established a temporary parliamentary investigative commission to examine the actions of the government from 2003 to 2012, particularly focusing on the 2008 war. The commission, chaired by former Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani, has already questioned former high-ranking Georgian military officials. Opposition parties have boycotted the process, dismissing it as politically motivated.

Georgian Dream has announced that the investigation will also cover events beyond 2012, including developments under former President Mikheil Saakashvili, with a particular focus on the 2008 war.