Georgian Volunteers Summoned for Questioning by Georgian Authorities

Georgian citizens who fought in Ukraine against Russia are being called in for questioning by Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG). The developments emerged when Nadim Khmaladze, a Georgian who fought in Ukraine, disclosed on social media that he had been summoned by the SSG under charges related to state overthrow and terrorism.

A day earlier, Lasha Chigladze, an activist from the Anti-Occupation Movement who also fought in Ukraine, was interviewed at the Tbilisi City Court. He reported being questioned about his activities in Ukraine and was informed about an investigation initiated a year ago regarding alleged involvement in a state overthrow.

Chigladze’s lawyer, Lasha Tkesheladze, denounced the case as politically motivated, emphasizing that his client was being targeted solely for his actions against Russia in Ukraine. “The case in question is absurd, has no relation to the law, and Lasha was summoned today because he fought in Ukraine against Russia,” Tkesheladze stated.

The state-owned channel Imedi reported that Chigladze is implicated in a conspiracy case aimed at overthrowing the government. Meanwhile, another Georgian volunteer, Nadim Khmaladze, echoed similar sentiments on social media, stating that he too has been summoned by the SSG under charges of state overthrow and terrorism.

These developments come amidst a backdrop where recent surveys indicate a growing perception among Georgian citizens regarding Russia as their country’s primary adversary. This sentiment has intensified amid allegations that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is moving closer to Russia, potentially normalizing diplomatic relations and adopting Moscow’s rhetoric on the Ukraine war and Western policies.