Ex-PM Gakharia’s party accuses parliamentary commission of politically motivated refusal to allow remote testimony

The For Georgia party, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, has criticised the parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes under the previous United National Movement government and beyond, chaired by Vice Speaker Thea Tsulukiani, for refusing to allow Gakharia to testify remotely regarding the controversial Chorchana checkpoint case near the occupation line.

The party on Monday said the commission had twice been informed in writing that Gakharia, currently abroad on a pre-planned visit, was ready to participate in the hearing online. The party pointed out that the commission’s rules allow for remote participation and that such a format had previously been offered to Gakharia during an earlier summons in April.

Despite this, the commission formally rejected the request on 22 June, insisting on Gakharia’s physical appearance at the session scheduled for Monday, 23 June. According to a letter shared by the party, Tsulukiani wrote that Gakharia had been notified on 16 June to appear in Tbilisi in person.

The For Georgia claimed the refusal lacked any objective justification, especially as the commission has interviewed other figures remotely, including Georgia’s Ambassador to the UN David Bakradze and even prison inmates.

Commission member Tengiz Sharmanashvili argued that Gakharia's status differed from that of previous remote participants. “He is not a witness or a victim - his role in the Chorchana case is more central. While I cannot say whether he is an accused, that will be determined by the prosecutor’s office,” Sharmanashvili said. “Given the seriousness of his role in the matter, he is obligated to appear in person.”

This is the second time Gakharia has been summoned before the commission. During an earlier session on 14 April, Chairwoman Tsulukiani accused him of unilaterally authorising the opening of a checkpoint in Chorchana, a village near the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetian) administrative boundary line, during his time as Minister of Internal Affairs. Commission members claimed the decision was made without informing the Prime Minister or the State Security Service, allegedly escalating tensions.

The Chorchana case is currently under investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office, which is examining a range of potential offences, including sabotage, attempted sabotage under aggravating circumstances, collaboration with hostile foreign organisations, and financing activities aimed at undermining Georgia’s constitutional order.