NGO leader Tina Khidasheli backtracks on remarks about terrorist training in Georgia

Tina Khidasheli, the chairperson of the NGO Civil Idea, on Sunday denied her earlier statement implying that terrorists were allegedly being trained in Georgia.

Speaking after questioning at the Tbilisi City Court, Khidasheli said her earlier statement was intended to prompt an investigation rather than assert that such activities were actually taking place.

When asked why she had not contacted law enforcement before making the statement, she did not provide an answer.

Khidasheli also did not explain why she made the public statement amid the complex geopolitical situation currently unfolding in the Middle East.

“The Iranian university has been sanctioned by several countries specifically due to recruitment and related issues. The list is long. But a branch, some type of offshoot, is operating in Georgia, which needs oversight. I have never said that terrorists are being trained in Georgia”, she said.

Former opposition UNM member of parliament Giorgi Kandelaki also left the building of the Tbilisi City Court shortly after Khidasheli.

Kandelaki’s name has been linked to another study that critics say is built on false claims and levels dangerous accusations against the country.

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.

The Georgian State Security Service launched an investigation into these statements, viewing them as potentially damaging to national interests amid heightened Middle East tensions.

In addition, Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze spoke on one of the television channels about strategic facilities that could potentially become targets for Iran and discussed what he would do if he were in the position of the Iranian authorities.

Amid ongoing developments in the Middle East, another critical article about Georgia was also published in The Hill, titled “Georgia Becomes a Hub for Iran to Evade Sanctions”.

Khidasheli stated that a so-called “university” for terrorists is operating in Georgia.