The Interim Fact-Finding Commission on the Activities of the Regime, the Political Leaders of the Regime of 2003-2012 and the Activity of the Incumbent and Former Officials in the Political Unions since 2003 up to today questioned two individuals. 

Gela Shermadini, the Governor of Akhalgori Municipality, provided an account of the developments in Akhalgori before and after the August War of 2008.

According to the source, in 2007, the National Movement Government removed Akhalgori Municipality from the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and incorporated it into the newly established South Ossetia temporary administrative-territorial unit. As the reporter indicated, this decision by the central authorities generated discontent among the local population. 

As G. Shermadini observed, the commencement of the August war resulted in widespread chaos within Akhalgori, causing the populace to enter a state of panic. Consequently, they were compelled to seek refuge in the forests during the nocturnal hours. 

According to his account, the Russian army divisions unexpectedly invaded Akhalgori on August 14-15. No prior warning was provided to the local population, nor were they evacuated. 

As per the reporter, no combat actions have unfolded in Akhalgori and not a single bullet has been shot during the war. 

As reported, the majority of the population that fled Akhalgori holds the belief that the then-Government made a sacrifice of Akhalgori to Russia. 

According to G. Shermadini, the annulment of the so-called Ergneti Fair in 2004 was an erroneous decision, as it had a detrimental impact on the inter-Georgian and Ossetian relations. 

Vasil Maglaperidze, the State Trustee-Governor to the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in 2005-2008, provided his account. 

He reviewed the grounds of the establishment of the temporary administrative-territorial unit of South Ossetia, reporting that the decision was made without informing either the local population, the City Assembly, the Governor, the Deputies, or the representatives of the executive authorities. 

He also recalled the briefing held in the office of the then Interior Minister, Ivane Merabishvili, on November 4 - a couple of days prior to the dispersal of the November 7, 2007, rally. As he observed, the briefing was attended by the leadership of the law enforcement structures and the Governors. 

According to V. Maglaperidze, Ivane Merabishvili introduced the dispersal tactics against the opposition and the rally participants. The plan specifically included the composition of the list of rally participants, ensuring that none of them would escape the physical assault. The blows should primarily be delivered to the stomach, kidneys, and face. Additionally, drugs should be planted among the protesters. David Kezerashvili would be responsible for dealing with the businessmen supporting the opposition. 

“It was the only method that would allow them to hold control. The terror for them was the only instrument to maintain the situation”, - the reporter noted. 

As the Chair of the Commission, Tea Tsulukiani noted, the next sitting is scheduled for May 30.