The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, has commented on the detention of Gulbaat Rtskhiladze in Tbilisi on espionage charges.­

Zakharova stated that Rtskhiladze had openly supported the normalization of Russian-Georgian relations for many years.

She linked his detention to the announcement of a project aimed at monitoring Russophobia in Georgia and expressed hope that the Georgian authorities would clarify the situation.

At the same time, Zakharova said that Russia could not remain unconcerned about his fate.

“I saw the news about the detention of Gulbaat Rtskhiladze and checked with colleagues who work in this area. They told me that he is well known to them as a person who, for many years, has publicly and sincerely, without hiding it, supported overcoming disagreements between Russia and Georgia and advocated the normalization of bilateral relations.

According to my colleagues, he truly did a great deal to bring our nations closer together. He studied our shared past, carried out memorial work, including efforts to locate those who died during the Second World War, and participated in the restoration of monuments. He defended historical truth, including the great and invaluable contribution of the Georgian people to the victory over fascism.

All of his contacts were conducted openly and officially. I would also like to note that he was detained just a few days after announcing a project to monitor Russophobia in Georgia’s public sphere.

It appears that certain forces are interested in concealing information from the international community about manifestations of xenophobia. And, of course, we cannot be indifferent to his fate.

I would also like to clarify that he is caring for his seriously ill elderly father. We hope that the Georgian government will be able to clarify this matter. Naturally, we respect the sovereignty and legislation of this independent country, but at the same time, I have shared our assessment in response to your question,” Zakharova said.

For reference, Rtskhiladze was detained by the State Security Service of Georgia on May 30 on charges of espionage.

He has been charged under Article 314, Part 1 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which concerns espionage. The offense carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.

According to the investigation, the detainee is accused of maintaining ties with the intelligence services of two foreign countries. Investigators allege that he simultaneously cooperated with the special services of two foreign states and carried out parallel intelligence activities on their behalf.