The Tbilisi City Court has arrested journalist Irakli Chikhladze, accused of espionage. He is also facing charges in the same case against pro-Russian activist and head of the Eurasia Institute, Gulbaat Rtskhiladze. Both were detained by the Georgian State Security Service on May 30.
According to investigators, the detainees collected and transmitted intelligence information to foreign intelligence services over several years. The State Security Service claims they used encrypted communication channels, observed secrecy measures, and maintained regular contact with representatives of foreign countries. The names of the countries are not officially disclosed.
On June 1, the court granted the prosecutor's motion to arrest Chikhladze. His lawyers requested that the journalist be released without pretrial detention, but the court upheld the prosecution's position. Chikhladze has been charged under Article 314 of the Criminal Code of Georgia ("Espionage"), which carries a prison sentence of eight to twelve years. He pleads not guilty.
Irakli Chikhladze is known as a journalist, editor, and director of several public organizations and media projects. He is the editor-in-chief of the expert and analytical portal Newcaucasus, which has been operating since 2007 and specializes in events in the South Caucasus. Chikhladze is also associated with the Eurasia Media Union, the Caucasus Institute for Human Rights, and the Caucasus Center for Civil Hearings.
The second defendant in the case is Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, the founder of the pro-Russian Eurasia Institute and the Georgian equivalent of the Immortal Regiment march. According to investigators, he collaborated with the intelligence services of two foreign countries. Georgian media, citing case materials and their sources, report that these could be Russia and Iran.
The State Security Service claims that Rtskhiladze participated in the creation of media platforms and other structures used in the interests of foreign intelligence agencies. In recent years, his name has also been mentioned in journalistic investigations into the activities of Pravfond, an organization linked to Russian government agencies.
The investigation materials are classified, so the defense is not disclosing the details of the charges. Rtskhiladze's family calls the case baseless. The journalist's son stated that he considers the accusations absurd and demands a transparent investigation, the presentation of evidence, and respect for the right to a defense.
