The Security Service of Georgia has confirmed the arrest of Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, founder of the pro-Russian movement “Immortal Army,” on charges of espionage. Reports from First Channel Georgia and Moscow Times indicate that Rtskhiladze is accused of passing information to the intelligence agencies of two unnamed foreign states in exchange for financial compensation.
Rtskhiladze is also the head of the pro-Russian “Eurasian Institute.” According to investigators, he allegedly established information platforms and organized various events across the country to facilitate his activities.
The charges against Rtskhiladze carry a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Moscow Times notes that he is recognized as a prominent advocate of pro-Russian rhetoric within Georgia. His organization, the Eurasian Institute, recently formed a council to monitor what it terms “Russophobia,” and Rtskhiladze has publicly justified Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
His attorney, Lasha Golubiani, has stated that Rtskhiladze believes his arrest is directly linked to his pro-Russian activities.
Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, a prominent pro-Russian activist in Georgia, has been arrested on espionage charges for allegedly sharing information with foreign intelligence. His activities and affiliations have drawn significant attention, particularly regarding his support for Russian policies.