Georgian Parliament official claims opposition member “inadvertently confessed” to collusion with BBC

Davit Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Monday said that Teimuraz Papaskiri, a representative of the opposition Coalition for Change party, had inadvertently provided a “confessional statement” regarding the opposition's alleged coordination with the BBC.

The controversy stems from an interview Papaskiri gave to PalitraNews, in which he stated that the BBC management does not intend to uphold a complaint filed by the ruling party Georgian Dream, and is instead preparing to present new evidence.

In his remarks, Matikashvili argued that Papaskiri’s comments reveal an insider's knowledge of the BBC’s internal strategy, suggesting a direct link between the British broadcaster and local political actors.

“His subconscious betrayed him and he gave a confessional statement. He practically confirmed that they have a routine relationship with the clients who commissioned the BBC to prepare and film a story based on a false narrative”, the Parliament official said.

“As accomplices to this lie and coercion, Papaskiri practically confirmed all of this himself through his own testimony”, he continued.

Matikashvili emphasised that the opposition must explain to the Georgian public how they are privy to the BBC’s future legal and editorial moves.