Georgia's State Security Service Accuses Individuals of Planned Coup 'Backed' by Foreign Financial Support, Receives Response
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
At the special briefing held at the State Security Service of Georgia, it was announced that a coup is being planned in the country. According to the State Security Service, civil unrest is scheduled for October-December, precisely when the European Union is expected to make a final decision regarding candidate status acceptance.
The agency reports that "specific groups, both within Georgia and abroad, are planning acts of destabilization." According to their findings, these planned riots aim to achieve a change in government through violence.
The State Security Service also provided specific names, including Giorgi Lortkipanidze, who served as the deputy of the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Vano Merabishvili, and is currently the deputy head of military intelligence in Ukraine. He also mentioned the organization 'Canvas', explaining that "this organization is utilized to prepare youth groups for revolutionary scenarios." Additionally, they mentioned Mamuka Mamulashvili, who is actively engaged in combat against Russia in Ukraine.
According to the SSS, the plan is intended to be implemented with the coordination and financial support of foreign countries. They are certain that the organizers are contemplating a scenario similar to the Euromaidan events that took place in Ukraine in 2014. As part of this plan, the victimization of both civilians and law enforcement officials is anticipated, according to them.
The commander of the Georgian Legion, Mamuka Mamulashvili, who is one of the people State Security Service is accusing of organizing a coup, has asserted that State Security Service's statement today was 'dictated from Russia'. In their statement, the Security Service referred to Mamulashvili as 'a member of Saakashvili's close entourage.'
Mamulashvili, speaking on 'Formula' TV, has linked the Security Service's statement to the Legion's activities in Ukraine and believes that the Georgian authorities are attempting to discredit them in this manner.
"This is directly dictated by Russia and is related, first of all, to our activities - the Legion is the largest foreign unit in Ukraine and, of course, this is a very big "disturbing" factor, because too many Russians die at the hands of Georgian Legion fighters. I don't want this to be directed and intended against people who come to see their families.
As you know, a trial was held in Russia against members of the Georgian Legion. Russia sentenced these people to various articles. It may be an attempt to hand over these people who come to Georgia to Russia. So, I think this is purely Russian handwriting, the Russian government of Georgia has become active and is trying to discredit the Georgian Legion," Mamulashvili said.
Ilia University law lecturer and associate professor Giorgi Meladze also responded to accusations. He stated that the purpose behind the coup accusation is to intimidate active individuals.
According to him, such statements are the signature of authoritarian states.
"In the spring, a statement against me was published, authored by Kobakhidze, who at that time referred to me as an 'extremist.' Over the past 20 years, I have collaborated with numerous groups and activists, valuing the exchange of ideas and collective action with active individuals in civil society to foster improved governance systems.
What the State Security Service is currently engaged in reminds me of tactics employed by authoritarian states. Nevertheless, I am determined to persist in my work, spreading knowledge about non-violent campaigns," Meladze stated.
