GYLA voices its position about the video footage released through social networks concerning Mukhrovani riot

Yesterday video footage was released through social networks and mass media illustrating how the former Minister of Interior addresses representatives of the task force with the following words: “I need two men, two corpses, bring me these two corpses, that’s it, the reward is going to be big.” Moreover, the video footage also reflects other high state officials, including Mikhail Saakashvili, the ex-president of Georgia. As reported, the video footage demonstrates the special operation carried out against participants of the Mukhrovani riot in 2009. As a result Gia Krialashvili died and two other individuals were wounded seriously. Some other participants of the riot were brought to justice and received guilty verdict.     

The mission set forth by Ivane Merabishvili to the military servants contains clear signs of offence. As reported, the prosecution already launched investigation. After determining authenticity of the released footage, investigation should conclude how the special operation was planned, how it was implemented and whether it aimed execution of human lives. Investigation should be conducted in all directions and it has to determine not only Vano Merabishvili’s culpability, but also the signs of offence in other individuals’ conduct recoded on the video.