Georgian PM says fabricated social media content seeks to damage country’s interests, pledges strong state response

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Thursday that a coordinated campaign involving fake social media accounts was spreading false narratives portraying Georgia as an unfriendly destination for Russian tourists, describing the effort as a deliberate act of sabotage against the country's national interests.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze said the campaign was being carried out through fictitious online identities and fake social media accounts.

“Completely false content is being created on social media. Non-existent individuals, using fabricated names, surnames and professions, are claiming that Georgia is a hostile environment for Russian tourists”, he said.

The Prime Minister alleged that the campaign was orchestrated through a platform operating from abroad and backed by what he described as a “local agent network”.

“The sole purpose of this is to sabotage one’s own country. Social media is being actively used to advance this effort. Coordination is taking place through a platform based abroad, while a local agent network is amplifying and reinforcing the campaign”, he noted.

Kobakhidze stressed that Georgia remained a welcoming destination for visitors from all countries and that all tourists could travel to the country without facing any form of discrimination.

“Our doors are open to everyone, to every tourist. We will do everything to ensure that every visitor to Georgia is provided with an appropriate environment. This is part of our culture, our tradition, and it serves the economic interests of our country”, he said.

Asked about the expected outcome of the ongoing investigation, the Prime Minister said that anyone found to have engaged in acts of sabotage against Georgia would be held accountable under the law.

“Everyone should know that if anyone engages in acts of sabotage against Georgia, the law will catch up with them. It is very important that this investigation has been launched, and it is even more important that it is brought to a conclusion. Anyone acting against Georgia’s national interests must understand that they will be held accountable. Today, the Georgian state is stronger than ever, and we will respond to any attempt to undermine our national interests”, Kobakhidze concluded.