The Prosecutor General's Office of Georgia has officially initiated its first criminal case under the article of high treason. This development marks a significant shift in the country's legal approach to national security matters.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the investigation was launched following an appeal by the State Service of Veterans Affairs of Georgia, which was prompted by statements made by Giorgi Baramidze, a member of the opposition United National Movement party. The investigation is being conducted not only under the high treason statute but also under charges related to endangering the state interests of Georgia.
The controversy stems from a televised appearance by Baramidze, in which he alleged that during the war in Abkhazia, Georgian military personnel executed prisoners, which subsequently led the opposing side to refuse the repatriation of captives. This claim has drawn sharp criticism and legal scrutiny.
It is worth noting that the high treason article, which had been removed from the Criminal Code of Georgia in 2007, was reinstated in April of last year. Under the current legislation, this offense carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment. This legal precedent reflects Georgia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its legislative framework regarding national security and the protection of state interests against internal threats.
