“The spy is a spy in any case. Being an agent means treason against homeland,” said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Veterans Park, where the 81st anniversary of May 9, Victory Day over Fascism is celebrated today.

According to the PM, the government will strictly respond to anyone who decides to act as an agent for the benefit of another state.

“It does not matter which country a spy serves. The spy is a spy in any case, and spying, in any case, means committing treason against the motherland. At one time, specific individuals, politicians, even tried to popularize espionage when it came to spies of specific states. A spy betrays the interests of the motherland and expresses readiness to act against the country’s interests. Therefore, this arrest should serve as an example for everybody who decides to spy against the country.

In order to protect the relationships between states, we will not name the state, but a clear warning to all – no matter whose agent you are, espionage is a crime against the country and the government will strictly respond,” he said.

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced Giorgi Udzilauri’s arrest on May 5, stating that he had been detained for allegedly collecting and transmitting information on behalf of foreign intelligence operatives.

On May 7, Giorgi Udzilauri, who was arrested on espionage charges, was placed in pretrial detention as a preventive measure by the court.