“I have been publicly demanding to be summoned to court for interrogation for the past 13 years. They have spread countless rumours about me, and the propaganda machine is in full swing,” stated Giorgi Baramidze, a member of the United National Movement (UNM) party.

Baramidze expressed his readiness to address all matters in detail before the court.

“I will take as long as necessary to share my knowledge as the former interior minister and to recount what I observed when I arrived in Etseri village after the special operation alongside Vano Merabishvili. We then flew to Mestia, where I will describe the instructions we provided to the police and special task force, our responsibilities, the consequences of any missteps, and the reasons two individuals were shot while three were arrested. We also ensured the safety of family members, women, children, and the rest of the village.

I find it unjust and inappropriate to appear before a commission of executioners and traitors to legitimize this political farce. I know that they will summon me as well, and I am aware that they have crafted this law in advance to incarcerate me. I am ready,” he concluded.