“During these 15 minutes, you couldn't spare a single moment to talk about Shovi, one of the worst tragedies in the recent history of this country. Don't be under the illusion that I won't bring up this topic here, regardless of how much time passes or what other events unfold. Today, I'm not interested in hearing conjectures about what occurred during the incident. The public deserves to know whether you and your agency are diligently investigating the crimes committed in Shovi. How justifiable do you believe it is for the same agency responsible for the rescue operation to also lead the investigation into its conduct? In essence, you're investigating yourselves. Furthermore, you've already outlined what should be investigated. This investigation appears to be aimed not at uncovering the truth, but at concealing it,” opposition MP Ana Natsvilishvili addressed Vakhtang Gomelauri, the candidate for Minister of Internal Affairs, during the joint session of committees discussing the government's vote of confidence in Parliament.
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“Why haven't you initiated an investigation into the potential criminal actions of officials in Shovi until now? Why hasn't this crime been appropriately classified thus far? Have any high-ranking officials been questioned regarding such a tragedy? I'm referring not to lifeguards, but to government officials.
I am aware that the situation in Shovi is of utmost importance to you, as all of you bear responsibility for this crime. While the state's response was neither prompt nor effective, it appears that a comprehensive and impartial investigation is not currently underway. This failure deprives the citizens of Georgia of the assurance that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. At the very least, an exhaustive investigation would pinpoint the shortcomings in the system, enabling better protection for citizens going forward. Six months have elapsed. Where are the results of the investigation?,” Natsvilishvili asked Gomelauri.
According to Vakhtang Gomelauri, they acted as quickly as possible in Shovi and did everything they could.
“Regarding the Shovi tragedy, not only I, but also the entire government, parliamentarians, and members of our team have reiterated many times that it was a significant tragedy, perhaps the most severe in recent years in Georgia.
We witnessed firsthand the grim scenes of the deceased being retrieved from the depths of the earth, and we spared no effort to save anyone if it was possible.
However, unfortunately, given the magnitude of the disaster, it was unavoidable. We responded as swiftly and effectively as possible. We have addressed this matter on numerous occasions, and I prefer not to discuss it further. I understand the political implications and the tragedy itself, but exploiting it for personal gain is simply shameful,” stated Gomelauri.
Vakhtang Gomelauri has served as the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia since September 8, 2019.
A natural disaster struck on August 3, 2023, at the Shovi Resort in Racha, resulting in the deaths of 33 people, including children. Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri only appeared at the site of the disaster on the 11th day following the event.
The journalistic investigation conducted by online publication Mtis Ambebi revealed that the disaster in Shovi had been anticipated for decades. This was evidenced by numerous documents, comprehensive studies, geological maps, and records of past natural disasters. Despite this, there was a glaring absence of evacuation plans, signage, or warning systems in the resort area. Due to the criminal negligence of the authorities, the construction of the dam on the Buba River, which could have potentially saved the vacationers at Sunset, was left incomplete, resulting in the tragic loss of lives at Mamisoni cottages. Following the disaster, the rescue operation was characterized by disorganization. There was a lack of protocols, inadequate equipment for rescuers, and crucial hours were wasted. People were left to confront death without adequate assistance. The rescue operation commenced several hours behind schedule and ceased operations at dusk on August 3rd. No helicopters were dispatched, no rescuers were deployed, and no drones were utilized throughout the night. Furthermore, proper investigative procedures were not followed, as bodies were transferred to the morgue without adhering to mandatory protocols, hindering efforts to determine the exact cause and time of death.
The Imereti Police Department is investigating the deaths in Shovi under Article 116, Part 2 (involuntary manslaughter) and Article 240, Part 2 (breach of safety regulations during construction, mining, or other work) of the Criminal Code.
