Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Citizen Detained in Occupied Abkhazia on Espionage Charges
The de facto authorities of occupied Abkhazia have announced the detention of Emzar Bagishvili, a Georgian citizen holding an "Abkhaz residence permit," on suspicion of spying for Tbilisi. According to the region's de facto security service, the 56-year-old Bagishvili was taken into custody on March 10 in the village of Okumi, located in the Tkvarcheli district.
Local security officials allege that Bagishvili was engaged in collecting and transmitting sensitive information to an employee of Georgia's special services. The accusations specifically cite the monitoring of the region's socio-political situation as well as the tracking of military equipment and transport routes. A formal case has been opened against him on charges of espionage.
The de facto agency stated that such cooperation with Georgian services is being "suppressed at the stage of an attempt," claiming the intervention prevents damage to the interests of the "Republic of Abkhazia".
In response to the reports, the State Security Service of Georgia told RFE/RL's Georgian Service that a "hotline" has been activated. Georgian authorities are currently working to clarify the specific details of the case.
Bokeria Criticizes Ivanishvili, Says Dialogue Possible Only After Appointing Free Elections
Giga Bokeria, one of the leaders of the Federalists, sharply criticized billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying the current political situation in Georgia reflects a serious legitimacy crisis.
Speaking about the recent report prepared under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, Bokeria said the document reflects the reality created by the ruling Georgian Dream government.
"None of Ivanishvili's nonentities' words have any significance. The picture described by the OSCE through the 'Moscow Mechanism' reflects the grave reality that the regime has created in the country," Bokeria said. He argued that the government has pushed Georgia into international and domestic isolation and is now trying to address the situation by punishing people who do not recognize its legitimacy.
According to Bokeria, dialogue with the government will be possible only after political change through democratic elections. "Correcting this situation is possible in one way: by removing Ivanishvili and all his nonentities from power. Dialogue will be possible only on the conditions under which they are defeated as a result of free elections," he said.
He added that the process should include the release of political prisoners, accountability for those responsible for violence, and a broader change in the political environment.
Bokeria also accused the ruling authorities of prioritizing the interests of one individual over the country's future. "It is in Georgia's national interest to have in power those who protect the country's interests, not the power and money of one person, Ivanishvili," he said.
"Just as a bad owner treats a pet, Bidzina Ivanishvili treats his own citizens, including the nonentities within his team, some of whom he now has in prison," Bokeria added.
