Former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia, who appeared for questioning at the Criminal Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, told reporters he would not rule out the possibility of his arrest.
“Why should I exclude it?” — Akhalaia said when asked by journalists about a potential arrest.
He expressed deep regret for not participating in the October 4 rally, calling it a significant day in Georgia’s history.
“I am very ashamed that I wasn’t involved in anything. I’m ashamed that these people are in prison now, while I was just watching everything from my kitchen. As an ordinary person and a patriot of this country, I feel ashamed that I wasn’t there,” Akhalaia stated.
He described October 4 as “a day of peaceful civil uprising on the same level as April 9,” adding that it reminded him of the courage shown “during Kakutsa’s time — when people dared to rise up, even if they lost that battle.”
For context, an audio recording released by Imedi TV suggests a telephone conversation between Paata Burchuladze (leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement) and Bacho Akhalaia (former minister).
In the audio, the men allegedly discuss organizing unrest in Tbilisi around an October 4 protest. It includes talk of gathering people, coordinating clashes in different locations (“hotspots”), potential violence, and even references to bloodshed.
The authenticity of the recording has not been verified. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether it is genuine.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has said that if authenticity is confirmed, they will “make a corresponding decision.”
In connection with the matter, Bacho Akhalaia has been summoned by investigators to give testimony and provide a voice sample.
Image: IPN
