Ex-UNM official refuses to appear at parliamentary commission over actions of previous Gov’t

Former Georgian official Zurab Chiaberashvili has condemned the parliamentary commission established by the ruling Georgian Dream party this month to investigate the political leadership of 2003-2012, calling it an “attempt to rewrite history and undermine Georgia’s national interests”.

“I am not going to participate in the Stalinist court. Everyone knows at home and abroad that this ‘parliament’ is illegitimate, and this is not the main argument,” Chiaberashvili wrote. He further warned that the commission’s actions threaten Georgia’s European future, alleging that the ultimate goal is to consolidate the ruling regime, erode sovereignty, and legitimize violations of the country’s territorial integrity.

The parliamentary commission, officially named the Commission to Study the Activities of the Regime and Its Political Officials in 2003-2012,” began its work on Monday. The initiative has been widely seen as targeting former officials of the United National Movement, the ruling party during that period.

The commission’s chairwoman, Thea Tsulukiani, announced that Chiaberashvili had been summoned to appear at a February 21 session regarding elections conducted during his tenure as chairman of the Central Election Commission in March 2005. Tsulukiani emphasized that participation in the hearing is legally required: “Attendance at the commission session is mandatory. Otherwise, the law is strict.”