**Parliamentary Probe: Former Prime Minister Grilled Over 2019 Protest**
In a move that has sparked heated debate in Georgia, former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia is facing intense questioning in the parliamentary investigative commission today. The probe centers on three key incidents: the dispersal of a June 20, 2019 protest rally, the opening of a Georgian police checkpoint near the village of Chorchana, and his eventual decision to resign from office.
**Criticism Mounts**
The move has been met with widespread criticism from opposition leaders, including Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of For a Strong Georgia. On social media, Khazaradze accused the parliamentary commission of being part of a “farce” by allowing Gakharia’s participation, effectively legitimizing what he sees as a flawed process.
**Background and Implications**
The 2019 protest rally was a pivotal moment in Georgian politics, with demonstrators taking to the streets to demand justice for the victims of a mysterious blast on July 5, 2018. The event marked one of the largest protests against the government since Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union.
Gakharia’s resignation as Prime Minister in February this year was seen by many as an attempt to placate growing discontent with his government. Critics argue that the decision to allow him to participate in the parliamentary commission undermines efforts to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
**The Road Ahead**
As Gakharia faces intense questioning, opposition leaders are calling on the commission to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation into the incidents at the heart of this probe. For many Georgians, the outcome will be crucial in determining whether their parliament is committed to transparency and accountability – or merely perpetuating a “farce.”