MEP Austrevicius on the Mukhtarli Investigation
Last week, the European Parliament adopted a rather strong-worded resolution regarding the alleged kidnapping of Azerbaijani journalist, Afghan Mukhtarli, who, as President Margvelashvili aptly put it, “vanished from spot A and reappeared in spot B”. The resolution underlines the importance of “prompt and transparent investigation by the Georgian side” and stresses that “Baku and Tbilisi must be partners in the investigation and have to share all and final information on this case”. For more in-depth analysis, GEORGIA TODAY and Panorama TV Show interviewed one of the co-authors of the resolution, Lithuanian MEP Petras Austrevicius.
How realistic is Baku and Tbilisi partnering up to investigate?
The undeniable fact is that an Azerbaijani investigative journalist, who had been in Georgia for some years, was forcible abducted and transported to the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. This is a very sad event for Georgia because on its sovereign territory a man who asked for shelter and security went missing. And it’s a very bad event for the Azerbaijani side as, once he crossed, not of his own free will, they “found” illegally planted money in his pocket and sent him to prison. It’s now a matter of international prestige to wash this stain from the suits of both countries and a very serious investigation should be underway in both. Of course, it’s up to Tbilisi and Baku to what extent they cooperate to clarify all circumstances of this mysterious incident, and we appreciate the statement of President Margvelashvili in this regard. The sooner Georgia investigates and presents the findings of the investigation, the better it will be for the country’s reputation.
What if the case isn’t investigated?
I sincerely hope that Georgia will be a willing and effective partner in this investigation. As a friend of Georgia, I don’t want to see it mentioned in such a dark story because we are speaking about the abduction of a foreign journalist living in Georgia, which raises the issue of what will happen to other people given free refuge there if no safety is guaranteed. This will beckon another question as to what extent we can trust Georgian authorities. In fact, it touches upon democratic criteria and rule of law in Georgia.
In saying it is a “serious blow to the reputation of the country,” who are we blaming? The country or its government?
I don’t blame Georgians. They are excellent people. They are future-orientated people and they love their country. Of course, we’re speaking about the State and rule of law, which Georgian authorities are responsible for. It’s up to today’s ruling coalition to ensure that we have a clear opinion and understanding what Georgia is striving for.
Azerbaijan is a chief partner and energy supporter for Georgia, and on the scales are good relations between the two countries. Had Georgia officially handed over this journalist to Baku, what would the West’s reaction have been?
To my knowledge, Afghan Mukhtarli is not accused of any crime. It is natural for a journalist, especially investigative journalist, to be critical. Everybody has the right to an opinion since we are not in Putin’s Russia where journalists are silenced and opposition shut down. We believe that Mukhtarli had every right to express own opinion.
I don’t believe Mukhtarli is so important for future bilateral relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan. If it is so, and Mukhtarli is prosecuted in such a brutal way from Azerbaijan’s side, then we have to be very much concerned about the state of play and democracy in Azerbaijan. In fact, I am, but I still have hope for improvement and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, and Georgia and the EU.
Can we expect further action from the European side on this issue?
I can tell you straight that if there is no investigation, no cooperation and no clarification on the Mukhtarli case, while it probably won’t destroy our relations, it will definitely not be a clear improvement and certain suspicion will be left on our part.
Vazha Tavberidze