The founder of the organization “Civic Idea” and former Minister of Defense, Tina Khidasheli, stated that the extension of the parliamentary investigative commission's mandate was done for the purpose of "harmful activities" in the international arena. She made this statement on the “360 Degrees” program on Palitra News.

Specifically, when asked whether she expected to be mentioned during the commission's session and possibly summoned for questioning, Khidasheli responded that she is indeed among those working to ensure that Georgia does not lose its visa liberalization status and that various projects in Georgia are not suspended. At the same time, however, she demands punishment for those pushing Georgia toward a “Russian hell.”

“I listened to the so-called investigative commission's session — there was nothing new. On the contrary, I was surprised this topic wasn’t brought up earlier, simply because, as you know, a few months ago when the mandate was changed, it was done exactly in this direction. Initially, the commission was created to supposedly investigate crimes committed during the rule of the United National Movement, but then, when Parliament approved the new changes, the focus shifted to so-called ‘harmful activities’ in the international arena. I had expected these topics to appear on the agenda much earlier.

If anyone is working abroad to make sure nothing changes with respect to Georgia — for example, regarding visa liberalization — and to ensure that all the programs producing real positive results for the Georgian people continue, while at the same time doing everything possible to hold accountable those dragging the country toward a Russian hell, who are severing ties with the EU, NATO, and our Western partners daily and systematically — then yes, I am among those people and have been working on this for a long time.

We were in Strasbourg, among other reasons, because we won a fight in that arena: the institution originally created to protect human rights in Europe did not recognize the mandate of those massively violating human rights. We defeated them there, and also at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where they were expelled. And we promise these people that wherever these issues are raised — whether in person or virtually — we will be there and we will not stop trying.”

When asked whether she would appear in Georgian Dream’s “arena” if summoned by the investigative commission, the former Minister of Defense replied that there is no need to speak preemptively.

“I won’t answer that question unless and until the issue arises. I already know what I will do, but they haven’t decided yet. So when — and if — they make a decision, I will respond. There’s no need for me to speak in advance about anything.

I promise that whenever it concerns Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, NATO integration, or strategically important projects for national security — like the participation of Western partners in the construction of Anaklia — I will do everything in my power to ensure these goals are fulfilled. And fulfilling those goals also includes, first, creating discomfort for certain individuals, and later, causing them much bigger problems.”

Khidasheli also spoke about the leader of the “Gakharia for Georgia” party, Giorgi Gakharia, who is currently abroad. She said that he should not return to Georgia.

According to her, Gakharia faces the greatest danger because Bidzina Ivanishvili believes he is politically indebted to him — and, as Khidasheli noted, Ivanishvili doesn’t forgive things like that.

“Tomorrow they might kidnap Giorgi Gakharia like they did with Bachiashvili, bring him back, say he was ‘walking through the green corridor,’ and sentence him to 20 years in prison. I believe Gakharia should not return. It’s absolutely clear — Gakharia is seen as the main enemy by Bidzina. If there is anyone Ivanishvili truly wants to destroy right now, it’s Giorgi Gakharia. And there’s a reason for this — among all the current opposition figures, Gakharia is the only one Ivanishvili feels he created politically and therefore believes Gakharia owes him everything. That’s the kind of thing Ivanishvili doesn’t forgive. If anyone is facing an extremely serious threat — like what used to happen in Russian prisons under Putin — it’s Giorgi Gakharia,” Khidasheli said.