Khangoshvili's acquaintances see interest of Georgian special services in his murder

Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, who was killed in Germany, had cooperated with Georgian special services only under Mikhail Saakashvili. After the change of power, these services began contacting their Russian colleagues; and Khangoshvili was forced to leave the country, his acquaintances have told.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a native of the Pankisi Gorge and a veteran of the second Chechen war, was shot dead in Berlin on August 23. A 49-year-old Russian citizen was arrested on suspicion of the murder. According to a number of signs, the arrested person is affiliated with the Russian special services, reported the Russian "The Insider", the journalistic group "Bellingcat", and the German Der Spiegel the results of their joint journalistic investigation.

Zelimkhan's acquaintance, a member of the Chechen Diaspora in Turkey, has suggested, in his comment to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, that Georgian special services could be involved in assassination attempts on Khangoshvili as well.

“They now want to establish normal relations with the Russian Federation; and, in the first place, surrender such people like Khangoshvili. Under Saakashvili, there was the ATC (antiterrorist centre) there; and Khangoshvili helped and supported it, including with people. In this way, he was a serious obstacle to Russians, as many Russia's provocations were prevented. After Saakashvili left, the ATC was disbanded, and those who had dealt therewith either all had to leave or were killed. There is a possibility that both Georgian and Russian special services could be involved in Khangoshvili's assassination," said the source who asked not to name him.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 6, 2019 at 03:01 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.