Security Service opens case against Akhalaia over call to overthrow Gov’t

The State Security Service of Georgia has launched a new criminal investigation against former defence and interior minister Bacho Akhalaia.

The agency said the investigation has been opened under Article 317 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which concerns public calls to overthrow the state government.

The case is linked to a statement Akhalaia made during a court hearing related to the case concerning the events of 4 October.

“This Government must be overthrown as quickly and as harshly as possible, by any form and by any means,” Akhalaia reportedly said during the hearing.

Authorities said the investigation is examining whether the statement constitutes a public call to overthrow the Government of Georgia.