MP Eka Beselia Calls Leaked Surveillance Footage "Blackmail"

Georgian Dream Parliamentarian Eka Beselia is speaking out for the first time about the videos released over the weekend revealing clips from her personal life. 

In a post on Facebook, Beselia wrote that she is more determined than ever to fight what she calls "moral terror," and that she is ready to speak publically: "You will not be able to stop me, to make me stay silent, to disappear me!!! You woke up new Eka in me, who has become more and more self-reliant on my beliefs, commitment and responsibility, who can protect others better than herself!"

The videos in question, says Beselia, were recorded during the political rule of Mikheil Saakashvili and his United National Movement party. Several years ago, a rash of videos appeared online of public and political figures' personal lives, including sexual activity in their private homes.  

Beselia's statement continued, "There is nothing to explain in the content that is being disseminated. The form is disgusting. Depravation of family coexistence and invasion into private space with hidden cameras!!! Saakashvili's regime used to do it against every public person, he created a system that trampled down the human dignity. Destroyed them physically and morally."

Beselia is demanding "answers...from the law enforcement agencies in the shortest possible time...What is happening now? Who chose to revenge on me with this method? Who had this footage? Who made the illegal records and attempted to exert moral pressure on me before the elections of 1 October 2012?. I call on Shalva Tadumadze, Giorgi Khaguria and Vakhtang Gomelauri to timely investigate the case and identify who is standing behind this moral terror,” wrote Beselia.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Parliament of Georgia