Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission adopts report on crimes committed by former UNM Gov’t

The Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament, tasked with examining the activities of the United National Movement regime in power from 2003–2012, on Monday adopted its final report, bringing together all the facts and actions committed by the UNM, the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, and their associates from November 2003 to this day.

“This document brings together all the facts and actions committed by the United National Movement, Mikheil Saakashvili, and their associates from November 2003 to this day. Anyone reading this report will clearly see what was happening in our country and the kinds of events that took place”, said Thea Tsulukiani, the Chair of the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission.

In her remarks, Tsulukiani noted that since February 5, the Commission had held 46 sessions, interviewed 139 individuals - including four people questioned twice - and conducted one field visit to Khoni, where it had inspected the former #13 Penitentiary Facility.

“The conclusions are based on 775 testimonies and statements from interviewed individuals. We also reviewed all relevant international and national reports, court rulings - both domestic and international - and assessments from international organisations issued during the examined period”, she continued.

The official further highlighted that the report was divided into several sections and covered topics including:

• Torture and inhumane treatment in penitentiary institutions;
• Killings and acts of violence by state representatives;
• Violations of property rights and extortion of businesses;
• Suppression of media freedom and owners’ rights through intimidation and violations;
• Severe breaches of privacy, including covert recordings used for blackmail;
• The August 2008 war
• Propaganda for war and attempts to violently overthrow the constitutional order from 2012 to the present.

“The final report spans 430 pages, excluding annexes that comprise several dozen additional pages”, she added.

“I hope this document will prove useful for relevant investigative bodies and courts, as well as for NGOs committed to conducting genuine research and using it in the interest of their homeland and state”, Tsulukiani continued.

Following the Commission's decision, all statements submitted by citizens to the Commission will be an integral part of the conclusion.

“While many statements are reflected in the report, some may not be fully represented, which is understandable. Therefore, all submissions will be treated as part of the report. After the Commission concludes its work, each statement will undergo further examination and be forwarded to relevant authorities if necessary”, Tsulukiani said.

She added that the report would be submitted to the Parliamentary Bureau, which is expected to include it in the agenda for plenary discussions early September.

“The report will be made public during a parliamentary plenary session and each section will be discussed in detail. Until the Parliament officially reviews the document, we will not engage in discussions with third parties”, the Commission Chair concluded.