Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia revealed that prior to the 2019 Gavrilov Night incident, the Ministry of Internal Affairs received a list of 10–12 Russian citizens with names “far more odious than Gavrilov.” Gakharia claimed that authorities categorically refused their entry into Georgia, citing national interest and public sensitivity.
However, he noted that this decision was met with “calls and requests” from Parliament, pressuring the ministry to reconsider. Gakharia did not disclose who made the appeals, but stressed that security and political stability were prioritized.
Gakharia added that on the night of June 20, he could not get in touch with any of the people who took responsibility for bringing Gavrilov to Georgia or for the development of possible processes.
“When this event was initially planned to be held in Georgia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs received a list of Russian citizens who were scheduled to enter the country. Upon reviewing the list, both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service categorically refused to allow these individuals entry. There were around 10 to 12 people on the list. Some of the names were even more controversial than Gavrilov. A few of them had previously violated the law. Although this particular gentleman had not broken any laws, we had the discretion—based on political considerations—to deny him entry. We made it clear that we would not permit this, even after receiving requests from the parliament.
“We stood firmly in our refusal. The matter was taken very seriously and discussed in great detail because it posed a significant risk. Ultimately, the leadership of the parliament decided to take specific responsibility for the issue. At that time, the parliamentary leadership was under Kobakhidze. You say he was out of the country, but was it me sitting and drinking wine with Gavrilov? Was I the one who put Gavrilov in the speaker’s chair in parliament?
“This was an international event, and we were pressured with threats of a potential international scandal if the situation wasn’t handled carefully. Despite this pressure, we remained firmly opposed to Gavrilov’s arrival. Later, they said someone else would lead the conference instead. But we all saw what actually happened.
“That evening, he was taken to a restaurant where they drank wine, and afterward, he boarded a plane and left the country. That is the plain truth. I could not identify a single person who took political responsibility for bringing him to Georgia. We couldn’t find anyone online or elsewhere willing to be held accountable. That is the reality,” Gakharia stated.
Related story: Ex-PM and MIA Head Gakharia admits ordering tear gas, water cannons on Gavrilov Night
