In his statements on social media on March 12, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, expressed his concerns regarding the sheltering of “individuals with criminal backgrounds”, particularly focusing on Zurab Adeishvili's activities in Ukraine and his recent involvement in high-level meetings in European countries.

Papuashvili emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and transparency in international relations, particularly in diplomatic engagements with individuals accused of serious crimes. He criticized Western countries' acceptance of individuals like Adeishvili, highlighting the potential negative implications for democratic values and international cooperation.

Regarding Adeishvili's actions and past criminal convictions, Papuashvili pointed out that he had been sentenced for various criminal offenses in Georgia, including illegal kidnapping and bankruptcy of companies. He described Adeishvili as one of the main architects of a violent justice system during the Saakashvili administration.

Furthermore, Papuashvili questioned the rationale behind Ukraine's sheltering of Georgian criminals like Adeishvili, especially considering Georgia's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He also raised concerns about Adeishvili's recent participation in official meetings in Germany and EU institutions, suggesting that it could undermine efforts to combat disinformation and uphold democratic principles.

Papuashvili called on European institutions to reconsider their engagement with individuals like Adeishvili and to prioritize the rule of law and transparency in their diplomatic relations. He urged for a clear stance against the acceptance of individuals with criminal backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in international partnerships.

As previously reported by Caucasus Watch, the Georgian government strongly objected to Zurab Adeishvili's participation in official Ukrainian delegations to Brussels and Berlin due to his previous criminal convictions in Georgia. They expressed deep concern over Ukraine's recent actions, including recalling its Ambassador from Georgia and expelling the Georgian Ambassador from Ukraine, urging Ukraine to reconsider its decisions and extradite wanted individuals to Georgia. Georgia also criticized the EU and Germany for officially receiving Adeishvili, whom they deemed a mastermind behind a repressive regime, urging the EU to show greater commitment to its foundational values. In response, the leader of Ukraine's "Servant of the People" faction outlined steps for normalizing relations with Georgia, including releasing Mikheil Saakashvili from prison and addressing Georgia's requests regarding Russia and sanctions.