Goga Khainidrava: Gia Baramidze’s statement is malicious slander and betrayal of country

“Gia Baramidze’s statement is malicious slander and a betrayal of the country and its people, of which he considers himself a citizen. I was a state minister in Abkhazia during the war, and nothing like this happened there. I have documents confirming this, which I will hand over to the Prosecutor General’s Office,” film director Goga Khaindrava made the remarks after being questioned at the Prosecutor General’s Office as part of an investigation into Baramidze’s statement.

According to him, the documents clearly show instances in which Abkhaz prisoners were handed over to the Abkhaz side, in the presence of Aleksandre Ankvab and Avtandil Ioseliani.

“You would have to be shameless not to mention Avtandil Ioseliani in the context of the prisoner exchange process. He led all the processes related to prisoner exchanges and the rescue of people in difficult circumstances. On the other side was Aleksandre Ankvab, who did a great deal of good despite being one of the figures behind the Abkhaz side’s victory, if it can be called a victory,” Khainidrava said.

He also questioned why Baramidze, who had served as interior minister, defense minister, deputy prime minister and deputy speaker of parliament, had not raised the issue during the previous 34 years if such events had actually taken place.

“Thirty-four years have passed. Gia Baramidze was interior minister, defense minister, deputy prime minister and deputy speaker. If something like this was happening, why did he not take an interest in it? Why did he not launch an investigation or find out what was happening?” Khainidrava said.

Khainidrava further argued that Baramidze’s remarks came at a time when contacts between Georgians and Abkhaz were increasing and signs of reconciliation were emerging. He also claimed that Baramidze’s statement had already prompted renewed discussion on Russian and Abkhaz websites about possible cases before international courts.

“August 14 is the date the war in Abkhazia began, and I am certain that by that time something will be brought up,” Khainidrava said.

Baramidze, a member of the United National Movement, recently claimed that “during the war in Abkhazia, Georgian military personnel executed prisoners”, and that this was why the Abkhaz side did not hand over prisoners.

Following a request from the State Service of Veterans Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office launched an investigation on August 7 into alleged treason and sabotage in connection with Baramidze’s statement.