Ioseb (Soso) Gogashvili, a former Deputy Head of Georgia's State Security Service (SSS) who is currently being held pending trial, claimed in a letter released from prison that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream, had threatened the destruction of his family if he did not stop what he was doing and give the required evidence.

"I may discover that a CO leak, a fire, or a car accident took the lives of my family members. The best-case scenario is that they will infiltrate [my family members or close entourage] with firearms or drugs and be captured." Gogashvili stated in his Facebook post that he received the threat while detained but declined to name the source. According to the former deputy head of the SSS, Ivanishvili and his family are responsible for the illegal actions taken against Gogashvili's close associates. He stated that he will continue to fight for justice and will continue the whistle-blowing campaign alongside his family. Gogashvili appeals to the Public Defender, all lawmakers, NGOs, human rights activists, the diplomatic corps, and the media to defend his family physically.

On August 12, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze confirmed that Gogashvili met with his family at his request and in full compliance with legislation. Regarding another letter circulated by the former SSS Deputy Head in which he talks about inhumane treatment and confirms that he received a threat from Ivanishvili, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister Bregadze said that Gogashvili met with employees, including with the doctors, and always expressed his gratitude towards them, and the meeting was held because his behaviour was very positive and this meeting was used as a kind of incentive measure. 

According to the Justice Minister, one of the goals of organising the meeting with the family members was that they make sure that his safety is not in danger. Asked by journalists if the Minister had confirmed that Gogashvili had been escorted to the shower, he responded in the affirmative, "What do I need to verify? In the correctional facility, all actions are conducted in accordance with the law, and no criminal actions are permitted. "

Additionally, the Special Inquiry Service  was requested by the Georgia Public Defender's Office to launch a prompt and efficient investigation into the claims. The Public Defender's Office ordered law enforcement to safeguard Gogashvili's family in the meantime.

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