Georgian Veterans’ Affairs State Service demands apology or evidence from UNM’s Giorgi Baramidze over Abkhazian war remarks

The Georgian State Service for Veterans’ Affairs on Thursday called on United National Movement (UNM) member Giorgi Baramidze to publicly apologize to Georgian veterans over his recent remarks, retract what it described as unverified allegations, or provide concrete evidence to support his claims.

The statement came after Baramidze, a former Minister of Defense and Minister of Internal Affairs, made remarks during Iago Khvichia’s program The Birth of Georgia while discussing the Abkhazian war and prisoner exchange process. According to the State Service, Baramidze claimed that Georgian fighters had shot prisoners, while the opposing side was characterized by “Russian discipline”.

“Taking into account the protest appeals submitted by veterans and other distinguished and patriotic citizens of our country, the State Service for Veterans’ Affairs would like to respond to Giorgi Baramidze’s statement”, the Service said.

The State Service emphasized that following the restoration of Georgia’s independence, the country was forced to wage a defensive war in 1991-1993 to protect its territorial integrity, freedom, and independence.

“During these hostilities, the newly established Georgian armed forces, including volunteer units distinguished by their patriotic spirit and high combat motivation, demonstrated exceptional dedication and courage. Numerous examples of their heroism have been preserved to this day”, the statement said, adding that “the grave crimes committed by representatives of the opposing side are also widely known”.

The Service also recalled atrocities committed by separatist forces during the conflict, including the killing of members of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia after the fall of Sokhumi on September 27, 1993.

“On the day of the fall of Sokhumi, separatists and their supporters, including mercenaries, shot unarmed [National Hero] Zhiuli Shartava, who was leaving the government building with a white flag, along with other members of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia who were with him”, the statement said, naming Guram Gabeskiria, Raul Eshba, Vakhtang Gegelashvili, Mamia Alasania, and Aleksandre Berulava among those killed.

The State Service further stated that Baramidze’s remarks could potentially contain elements of a crime under Georgia’s Criminal Code, adding that as a former parliament member and former Defence and Interior Minister, he carries a greater responsibility and a higher burden of proof when making such claims.

The Service said that since Baramidze had not provided evidence to support his allegations, there was reason to believe that he may have deliberately disseminated information he knew to be false.

“Based on the above, the State Service for Veterans’ Affairs, on behalf of veterans, calls on Giorgi Baramidze to publicly apologize for the aforementioned statement, retract the unverified information he has spread, or provide concrete evidence confirming the public accusation”, the statement said.

The Service also called on relevant law enforcement authorities to examine Baramidze’s remarks within their legal mandate and take appropriate measures if necessary.