Gakharia for Georgia Criticizes Commission's Refusal to Allow Remote Testimony
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, June 23, 2025
The political party Gakharia for Georgia released a statement today criticizing the parliamentary investigative commission's decision to deny Giorgi Gakharia the opportunity to testify remotely regarding the Chorchana checkpoint issue.
According to the statement, Gakharia, who is currently abroad on a pre-planned visit, had offered to participate in the upcoming June 23 session through an online format. The party noted that this option is permitted under the commission's regulations and had even been suggested by the commission during Gakharia's previous appearance on April 14.
"We would like to provide the public with information regarding the second summoning of Giorgi Gakharia to the so-called parliamentary investigative commission on the Chorchana issue, for June 23, 2025," the statement reads.
Gakharia previously appeared before the commission in April for a six-hour session. The party emphasized that his willingness to cooperate remains unchanged.
"Giorgi Gakharia has already appeared before the commission once. The Commission was informed twice in writing that he is ready to participate in the session this time as well," the statement continued. "However, considering that he is abroad on a pre-planned visit, he expressed his readiness to participate remotely, in the online mode."
Despite these communications, the commission has insisted on Gakharia's physical presence. On June 22, the party was officially informed that the request for remote testimony had been denied.
"The commission refuses to question Giorgi Gakharia remotely and insists on his physical appearance at the session on Monday, June 23, which has no objective explanation if the investigative commission is actually interested in hearing him on the Chorchana issue," the statement said.
The party reiterated that Gakharia remains prepared to answer questions on the matter before returning to Georgia.
"Giorgi Gakharia, once again, confirms his readiness to speak to the commission on the Chorchana checkpoint issue remotely," the statement concluded.
