"If there was a conflict, I am confident it will be resolved easily," said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in response to reports of a confrontation between the head of special forces, Zviad Kharazishvili (Khareba), and the first deputy governor of Kvemo Kartli, Giorgi Shinjikashvili.
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Journalists asked Kobakhidze about the situation in the village of Martov, where "no one is allowed in" and "arbitrary checkpoints have been set up by unknown individuals."
"It’s COVID and quarantine were announced. Nothing is happening; you are dramatizing it all. If any investigation needs to be started, there are relevant agencies for that, but don't indulge in excessive dramatization. This is the business of the relevant agencies. If there is an investigation, it will be initiated.
Many cases of violence have been investigated. It must be emphasized that any type of violence should be condemned. However, I would like to remind you that it was your television networks and political parties that romanticized specific acts of violence. Your actions are regrettable. Violence begets violence. The state's function is to investigate everything and act according to its responsibilities," Kobakhidze said.
According to reports, there is a conflict between the Director of the Special Tasks Department in the Internal Affairs Ministry, Zviad Kharazishvili (also known as Khareba), and the First Deputy Governor of Kvemo Kartli, Giorgi Shinjikashvili. These reports were prepared by TV Pirveli and Mtavari Arkhi.
According to TV Pirveli, members of Shinjikashvili's close entourage and the so-called Khareba squad verbally confronted each other at the Magnilia restaurant in Lilo, which escalated into a street fight. One version suggests that Giorgi Shinjikashvili arrived at the scene with an informal group of athletes and participated in beating the special forces. TV Pirveli also reported that in Martkopi, where the vice-governor lives, it was confirmed that special forces were looking for Shinjikashvili the day after the fight, and a convoy of black jeeps was seen in the village. A special report aired on TV Pirveli on June 15 showed footage of Shinjikashvili's allies blocking the road leading to his house with cars, preventing the Pirveli camera crew from advancing.
Former judoka Giorgi Shinjikashvili has not been in contact with journalists and has not appeared at work. "He is in Gurjaani with his aunt. They were picking strawberries, by the way. He took a vacation and is keeping to himself... we have such a family, not a village, Georgia will protect us... if necessary," said Giorgi Shinjikashvili's father. According to Mtavari and Pirveli TV companies, Shinjikashvili has left the country and "fled" to Turkey.
Zviad Kharazishvili led the crackdown on demonstrations against the Russian Law in recent months. Levan Khabeishvili, the former chairman of the United National Movement, who was beaten by special forces on the night of April 30, stated that Kharazishvili was responsible for the punitive measures taken against him.
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