NGO chief and former minister Khidasheli rejects PM’s ‘traitor’ claim, vows legal action

Tinatin Khidasheli, former Defence Minister and head of the NGO Civic Idea, has rejected Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s claim that she is a “foreign influence agent” and said she will pursue legal action over remarks describing her as a “traitor”.

Khidasheli on Wednesday said that such accusations amounted to alleging a criminal offence and must be either substantiated or withdrawn.

“Calling someone a traitor to the homeland is accusing them of a crime,” she said. “I do not intend to forgive Kobakhidze, Rustavi 2, or anyone else. I will review every segment broadcast on Georgian and Russian-language channels about this matter.”

She added that she did not have high expectations from the Georgian judiciary, but “will still proceed” to ensure the matter is addressed through formal channels.

The dispute erupted after Civic Idea reported that the Georgian government was allegedly aiding Iranian companies in evading international sanctions. 

Kobakhidze dismissed the allegations and responded with a personal attack on Khidasheli, saying:

“Khidasheli is a foreign influence agent. Betraying the country is not unfamiliar to her, so such reports do not surprise us.”