State Security Service Arrests Former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia Over October 4 Unrest
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, December 26, 2025
The State Security Service of Georgia announced on December 25 that it had detained former interior and defense minister Bacho Akhalaia on charges related to the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi, accusing him of coordinating actions aimed at forcibly seizing state institutions.
According to the agency, Akhalaia is suspected of playing a central role in organizing the events remotely, using internet-based communication tools to direct individuals who were physically present during the confrontation near the presidential palace.
"The October 4 developments were led through internet applications," Deputy Head of the State Security Service Lasha Maghradze said at a briefing. He described Akhalaia as "the main organizer" of the events within Georgia.
The October 4 incident unfolded when a group of protesters attempted to enter the presidential palace following calls from rally organizers. Police dispersed the crowd, and authorities later described the attempt as part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the country. In the weeks that followed, law enforcement detained dozens of individuals, including several opposition figures whom officials identified as organizers.
Maghradze said investigators analyzed internet traffic data that allegedly links Akhalaia to other suspects through encrypted phone applications. According to the agency, the communications were traced with "a high standard of truthfulness, down to the exact minutes and seconds."
Investigators claim to have identified 343 separate online sessions between an IP address registered to Akhalaia's wife, Ana Nadareishvili, and five individuals previously arrested in connection with the case. The communications reportedly spanned from late September through the early hours of October 5.
The agency alleges that contacts occurred shortly before public calls for escalation were made from the protest stage and continued after the attempt to breach the presidential palace. Maghradze said one suspect was near the site at the time and was "receiving directives" from Akhalaia.
Authorities also pointed to communications that allegedly followed the release of a recording on October 4, which pro-government media claimed captured Akhalaia discussing plans with opera singer and activist Paata Burchuladze. Akhalaia has previously denied the authenticity of the recording.
Maghradze did not specify whether investigators had access to the content of the messages themselves or whether the case relies on metadata such as timestamps, IP addresses, and connection patterns.
The State Security Service also confirmed the brief detention of Akhalaia's wife, stating that she would be released while investigators assess whether she played any role in the alleged coordination.
In recent months, Georgian Dream officials have repeatedly linked Akhalaia to multiple security-related cases, including allegations involving weapons and explosives allegedly intended for use during the October 4 events. Akhalaia has denied those claims.
The investigation is ongoing, and the State Security Service said additional charges could follow as the case develops.
