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Garibashvili: “Investigation into Lapankuri Case Almost Finished”

January 21, 2014
 
Nino Devidze, Kakheti

Georgian Prime-Minister Irakli Garibashvili said investigation into Lapankuri case has practically finished. PM made the statement during his meeting with the representatives of Georgian and international media organizations. 

“Investigative bodies informed me that the case is practically resolved. Prosecutor’s Office and MIA intend to spread joint information about it and publish investigation results.”

Prime-Minister confirmed that investigation into Lapankuri case was dragged out. “Indeed, investigation into Lapankuri case was dragged out. I want to tell you that it was very complicated case and sometimes State has to act according to national interests.”

Ministry of Internal Affairs qualified special operation near Lapankuri village in Telavi district on August 28, 2012 as “counter-terrorist” operation. According to official information, group of armed combatants from Dagestan crossed Georgian border and captured Georgian young people. Two MIA officers and one military doctor died, five Georgian special force officers were wounded in the special operation; 11 combatants were liquidated.

A separate chapter was dedicated to the Lapankuri special operation in the Ombudsman’s report. “Information provided by confidential sources and family members of the people killed during the special operation is different from the official information spread by Georgian law enforcement bodies and senior officials. The latter stated that group of Chechen combatants had arrived in Georgia from North Caucasus.”

According to the report, combatants arrived in Lapankuri several days before the special operation. “According to the confidential information, they arrived at the place by the vehicles of the Counter-Terrorist Center of the MIA and brought necessary armament, food and other items with them. Interviewed people assumed that purpose of the landing force was to combat travelling of the Chechen warriors to the North.”

In October 2013, a public council was established with the initiative of the Georgian Public Defender. Representatives of the Council of Elders and public council members will take part in the activities of the Council. The latter will prepare the report, which will be sent to investigative bodies together with relevant materials. 

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