Orchestrated disinformation campaign and hostile actions target Georgia amid heightened tensions in Middle East

Following statements by Tina Khidasheli, Giorgi Kandelaki, former United National Movement government official, has joined what officials describe as an orchestrated disinformation campaign against Georgia. Kandelaki’s name has been linked to another study that critics say is built on false claims and levels dangerous accusations against the country. Even some opposition figures have called on him to demonstrate greater responsibility.

A report published by the Hudson Institute and authored by Kandelaki together with Luke Coffey has been described by government representatives as part of a coordinated effort to damage Georgia’s international reputation and undermine domestic stability.

Presented as research, the report claims that Iran has been systematically and intentionally expanding its influence and influence infrastructure in Georgia.

According to critics, the authors attempt to portray Georgia as aligning closely with countries viewed by the United States as adversaries, including Russia and Iran.

Kandelaki further alleges that Georgia is positioning itself as a hub to help Iran circumvent international sanctions. Critics of the report say Kandelaki has avoided responding to questions about the allegations and has not answered phone calls from those challenging his views.

Archil Gorduladze, chair of the Georgian Parliament’s legal affairs committee, pointed to Kandelaki’s past political activity, accusing him of working against Georgia’s European integration and advocating for sanctions against the country.

“When we recall Giorgi Kandelaki’s name, we first remember his past actions: how he fought against Georgia even before any comprehensive agreement was signed with the European Union, and later how he worked in the Georgian Parliament and within European institutions to ensure Georgia would either face sanctions or be denied candidate status. This is the kind of person who consistently acts against our country”, Gorduladze said.

Rati Ionatamishvili, the chair of the parliamentary committee on human rights protection and civil integration, described certain political actors and NGOs as instruments of hybrid warfare.

“United National Movement activists and affiliated NGOs are instruments of hybrid warfare against Georgia. These individuals and organisations are, in reality, acting against peace and security in our country. Our society clearly sees how these stateless opportunists act against Georgia”, Ionatamishvili said.

Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the opposition For Georgia party, called for greater responsibility across the political spectrum, stressing that peace should remain the country’s highest priority regardless of political differences with the ruling Georgian Dream party.

“Given the situation we face today - both in the region and globally - no matter how harmful some may consider the Georgian Dream to be, everyone must show far greater responsibility. Peace in this country is the greatest value”, Sharashidze said.

Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, strongly criticised the authors of the report, calling their statements harmful and unfounded.

“They are ordinary traitors who have no real connection to this country and no genuine interest in Georgia. Their only interest is engaging in hostile actions. There are no facts or evidence in this report - it is simply lies, defamation, and falsehood. Given the tense situation in the region, the Middle East, and the world, such statements constitute hostile activity against the country and must be investigated by the relevant authorities”, Kaladze said.

The report is the second such study to appear amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Both publications were authored by Georgian nationals and have been interpreted by critics as part of a broader pattern in which internal actors contribute to narratives that, they argue, harm the country’s international standing.