Beka Odisharia, MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday criticized the Helsinki Commission’s recent statement, calling it “the highest peak of cynicism.”
He also questioned the commission’s motives, suggesting their actions might be driven by ulterior goals.
The Commission on Monday issued a statement alleging the ruling Georgian Dream party relied on dark money from a global network of fraudulent call centers to finance its activities and suppress the opposition.
“I would jokingly ask, have they changed sides by chance? This is the highest peak of cynicism. I refrain from describing their behavior more harshly,” Odisharia told journalists.
The MP expressed disbelief at the commission’s claims, saying, “I do not know what the Helsinki Commission’s goals are when it circulates such blatant lies. A small country like ours is doing everything possible for transparency and is firmly committed to the fight against fraudulent call centers. You might recall our active efforts, including collaboration with the German prosecutor’s office, which led to the identification of crimes and criminals. A BBC documentary on [former Defence Minister David] Kezerashvili highlighted this, and let’s be clear – BBC is not [Georgian opposition-lined channels] TV Pirveli, Mtavari Arkhi or Formula, it is the most trusted media platform. Investigative journalists, in cooperation with German prosecutors, conducted a parallel investigation that directly implicated [Kezerashvili] as ‘Mr. Offshore.’”
He further criticized the Helsinki Commission’s statement, labeling it as “incredibly unfair.”
Odisharia also suggested that the commission’s ultimate goal might be to instigate a change in Georgia’s government. “I do not know what the objectives of the Helsinki group are when they spread such blatant lies. Immaturity and lack of information would be the mildest explanation, but I suspect they have both and simply pursue different goals. The goal is clear – blame Georgia, replace the peace-keeping government, and bring in a group that will execute orders from the outside,” Odisharia added.
