One of those detained in the espionage case on May 30 is Irakli Chikhladze, the editor-in-chief of the Russian-language Georgian outlet NewCaucasus. His family has confirmed this information, the Pirveli television company reports.
Journalist Irakli Chikhladze is the brother of journalist Giga Chikhladze, who was killed during the August 2008 war.
According to the State Security Service (SSG), Irakli Chikhladze has been charged with collecting and transmitting information on the instructions of a foreign intelligence service.
According to the investigation conducted by the agency, the detainee systematically obtained and transmitted intelligence-related information in the interests of a foreign intelligence service through personal contacts in journalistic, expert, and other professional circles.
The State Security Service also states that the detainee, under the cover of an online platform, led an intelligence network consisting of various individuals.