Plot to Assassinate Georgian Billionaire Sparks Controversy

Georgia's state security service is investigating an alleged assassination plot against billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The plot involves attempts to violently overthrow the government, linked to widespread protests over a 'foreign agents' bill. At least six people have been summoned for questioning.

Georgia's state security service announced on Wednesday that it is probing a plot to assassinate billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

According to a Facebook post by the State Security Service, the investigation seeks to uncover criminal activities aimed at forcibly overthrowing the state government and instigating civil unrest. These activities include the planned murder of Ivanishvili, Georgia's wealthiest man and the founder of the ruling party. Ivanishvili, who amassed his fortune in Russia in the 1990s, has recently re-emerged as a vocal proponent of a contentious 'foreign agents' bill.

The bill, which mandates that organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad register as 'agents of foreign influence,' has ignited massive protests in Tbilisi and plunged the South Caucasus nation into political turmoil. While the security service has not identified any suspects, independent news site OC-Media reported that at least six individuals have been summoned for questioning. The news outlet, referring to a lawyer and two of the summoned individuals, noted that many had participated in combat against Russia in the Ukraine war.

Ukraine's SBU security service did not respond to a call for comment, and the Georgian State Security Service has not yet replied to an emailed request for comment. Georgian authorities have repeatedly alleged that Georgians based in Ukraine and fighting against Russia are plotting a coup to overthrow the government. Though Tbilisi condemns Russia's war, it has refrained from imposing sanctions on Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)