Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze announced that an investigation is underway into an audio recording aired by Imedi TV, in which Paata Burchuladze, leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement, and former defense minister Bacho Akhalaia allegedly discuss plans to incite unrest in Tbilisi.
Darakhvelidze stressed that any decision will depend on whether the recording is proven authentic. “The investigation is ongoing. If the authenticity of this recording is confirmed, a corresponding decision will be made,” he said.
Imedi TV reported that the audio file was received via email. In the recording, two voices, identified by the broadcaster as Akhalaia and Burchuladze, can be heard discussing coordinated clashes, the possibility of casualties, and financial and logistical support. Akhalaia allegedly claims that Russian contacts promised funding, while warning that large-scale violence in the capital would be “uncontrollable” and “like pouring petrol on fire.”
The purported Burchuladze responds in agreement several times throughout the conversation, saying his group would be “ready.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the recording.
