Sozar Subari: The "Collective National Movement" is most upset about the exposure of their crimes and treacherous acts in the August 2008 war

The "Collective National Movement" is most upset about the exposure of their crimes and treacherous acts during the August 2008 war, stated Sozar Subari, a member of People's Power, during the spring session of Parliament.

According to Subari, the "Collective National Movement" has decided to "hide behind the uniforms of soldiers and generals" in an attempt to portray the investigative commission’s work as being directed against the Georgian army.

"The parliamentary investigative commission has started its work, and from the very first days, this has caused serious unrest among the 'Collective National Movement' and their supporters. A very dirty campaign of slander and malicious rumors has begun against the commission and its members. It is clear what they are trying to cover up. From the very first sessions, we have been hearing chilling stories of how people were tortured in penitentiary facilities, how property rights were massively violated, and how bankers who have now sought refuge in politics—Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze—were involved in these violations alongside the state. We are hearing how people were brutally persecuted solely for their political views, and how their families and businesses were completely destroyed just because their political opinions were not acceptable to the government. However, what upsets the 'Collective National Movement' the most is the exposure of their crimes and treacherous actions during the August 2008 war. That is why they have decided to hide behind the uniforms of soldiers and generals to make it seem as though the commission’s work is directed against the Georgian army. But they know very well that the reality is quite the opposite," said Subari.

He explained that several witnesses, mainly military personnel, confirmed during the temporary investigative commission’s hearings that battle plans were changed spontaneously and thoughtlessly.

"Both generals, Zaza Gogava and Mamuka Kurashvili, described as 'completely unjustified' and 'nationally damaging' the fact that five members of the then-parliament—four from the ruling National Movement and one from the so-called opposition, Giorgi Targamadze—signed the Council of Europe resolution, which accused the Georgian army, our heroic soldiers and officers, of committing war crimes. They blamed them for violating international humanitarian law and domestic legislation, and even accused the Georgian state of initiating the war," Subari stated.