Malkhaz Machalikashvili does not rule out that he was detained intentionally to tense the situation in the Pankisi Gorge.

A father of Temirlan Machalikashvili , who was murdered in anti-terrorist special operation, is convinced that the situation in the gorge would become even tenser if locals hear information about his detainment.
According to Machalikashvili, he was going to Pankisi with the only purpose - to be involved in negotiations to avoid a confrontation.