The General Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of high treason and sabotage following public statements made by Giorgi Baramidze, a member of the United National Movement [UNM].

“The investigation was initiated based on a formal referral from the State Service of Veterans Affairs regarding comments G. Baramidze made about the war in Abkhazia and prisoner exchange processes during Iago Khvichia’s programme.

The case concerns statements by the UNM member in which he asserted that “during the war in Abkhazia, Georgian military personnel executed prisoners, which is why the Abkhaz side refused to hand captives over”.

“The investigation has been launched under Article 307¹ and Article 318 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertain to high treason and actions endangering the state interests of Georgia. The investigative authority will carry out all necessary investigative and procedural actions, and further updates regarding the outcomes will be provided to the public”, - says the agency.