Parliamentary Commission Presents 430-Page Report on Saakashvili Governance
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The Parliamentary Temporary Investigative Commission has released a 430-page draft conclusion summarizing its investigation into the governance of the United National Movement and former president Mikheil Saakashvili, covering events from 2003 to the present.
At the commission's final session, chair Tea Tsulukiani, who also serves as Vice Speaker of Georgian Dream-led Parliament, stated that the document brings together "facts and information relevant to our recent history" and is intended to provide a comprehensive record of the period in question.
According to Tsulukiani, the commission held 46 sessions, interviewed 139 individuals, and conducted one on-site visit to the Khoni penitentiary. The report draws on a range of sources, including witness statements, court decisions from both Georgian and international tribunals, and reports from international organizations.
"This is a document that anyone who reads - especially young people - will understand what was happening in our country," Tsulukiani said. "It is important not only for historical clarity but also for use by investigative bodies, courts, and NGOs engaged in genuine research and analysis."
The investigative body was formed in February during the 11th convocation of Parliament. Though initially tasked with studying the period of the United National Movement's rule, its scope was later expanded to include the actions of former officials up to the present day. The commission's membership includes ruling party MPs and several opposition figures with close ties to the government.
Opposition politicians and civil society groups have harshly criticized the commission, describing it as politically motivated and illegitimate. Several opposition leaders, including Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, were jailed after refusing to testify before the commission.
Responding to the commission's final session, Salome Samadashvili, a leader of Lelo-Strong Georgia, rejected both the legitimacy of the commission and the Parliament itself.
"This so-called investigative commission has no legal standing," she said. "It was formed in violation of constitutional and parliamentary procedures. It is nothing more than an instrument of political persecution."
Samadashvili accused the commission of being aligned with Russian interests and claimed its real aim is to suppress pro-European political parties in Georgia.
"The commission was created to serve one function - to restrict and eventually ban democratic forces in the country. That is Russia's agenda, and Tea Tsulukiani's commission is executing it," she stated. "The time will come when this commission and its members will be investigated for their actions."
