Opposition figures and historians in Georgia summoned for questioning after Iranian university claims

The Georgian State Security Service has summoned four individuals for questioning in connection with statements regarding Al-Mustafa International University. The investigation was launched amid attacks by Georgian Dream representatives against the authors of a study on Iranian influence in Georgia.

As reported by the Caucasian Knot, on March 7, the Georgian State Security Service began an investigation into opposition statements regarding the activities of the local branch of Al-Mustafa International University. The agency explained that it intends to "ask them questions" to identify "some specific facts." "In recent days, various individuals have publicly voiced a number of reports regarding the recruitment of personnel in Georgia by other countries, including accusations or hints regarding terrorism. We are closely monitoring and studying the content of these statements, as well as the motives of their authors in accusing Georgia of such matters, especially against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities in the region," the State Security Service stated.

Four people summoned for questioning by investigators

The State Security Service summoned for questioning opposition figure and former head of the parliamentary committee on defense and security Givi Targamadze, former defense minister and founder of the organization "Civil Idea" Tina Khidasheli, historian and opposition politician Gubaz Sanikidze, and member of the "Laboratory for the Study of the Soviet Past" Georgi Kandelaki, Interpressnews reported on March 7.

They were summoned for questioning as part of the investigation into a case under Article 319 of the Criminal Code (providing assistance to a foreign state, a foreign organization, or an organization controlled by a foreign state in a hostile activities).

Tina Khidasheli said she agreed to appear for questioning. "I plan to come, but I don't know when yet," the publication quoted the former minister.

Givi Targamadze could not be reached, a State Security Service representative stated. "His phone is switched off, and we hope he will learn from the media or be told that he has been summoned to the State Security Service in connection with the statements he made," the publication quoted him as saying.

Gubaz Sanikidze's questioning was conducted in Tbilisi City Court; the politician testified in the presence of a magistrate judge. He answered investigators' questions for almost an hour.

"They had questions about my speech. I won't hide the fact that I had questions for them too. "I answered all the questions, but they couldn't answer mine," Sanikidze told the publication after the interrogation.

According to the publication, Tina Khidasheli and Giorgi Kandelaki also intend to testify, provided the judge is present.

The criminal case was preceded by government attacks on the study's authors.

On March 3, a study was published by the US-based Hudson Institute, co-authored by Giorgi Kandelaki and Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Luke Coffey. The authors concluded that Iran is systematically expanding its influence infrastructure in Georgia. They believe this poses a threat not only to Georgia, but also to the interests of the United States and Western countries in the South Caucasus region. The study also touched on the activities of Al-Mustafa International University in Georgia, JAMnews reported.

Following the study's publication, representatives of the Georgian Dream party criticized its authors. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze called them "traitors," accused them of acting against Georgia's national interests, and demanded an investigation into their activities. He was supported by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Gia Volsky and MP Archil Gorduladze, the publication notes.

Tina Khidasheli responded to the accusations, suggesting that those "concerned about the fate of the country and its future should focus on the real problem, rather than figuring out whose statements they like and whose they don't," the publication writes.

As a reminder, on February 28, Israel and the United States began striking Iran. Donald Trump announced the start of a large-scale military operation. In response, Iran began shelling Israel, American military facilities, and civilian targets in the Middle East, according to the Caucasian Knot report "The Main Impact of the Military Conflict with Iran on the Caucasus."

Due to the fighting in Iran, bus routes through that country between Baku and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been suspended. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry recommended that citizens refrain from visiting Iran and Israel. By March 7, more than 1,790 citizens of 66 countries had been evacuated from Iran through the Azerbaijani border crossing, including 297 Azerbaijani citizens, 282 Russian citizens, and 13 Georgian citizens. Caucasian Knot has compiled materials on the impact of the fighting in Iran on the Caucasus on the thematic page "Iran: War is Near."