Georgia launches sabotage investigation after nationwide power outages

Georgia's State Security Service (SSS) has opened a criminal investigation under the country's sabotage law following widespread emergency power outages that affected multiple regions on July 24 and 25.

According to an official statement from the SSS, investigators are examining whether the disruptions were intended to undermine the interests of the Georgian state by interfering with or damaging the normal operation of critical infrastructure and other essential facilities, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

"The investigation is being conducted in connection with multiple emergency power outages across the country, which constitute a threat to the interests of the Georgian state by disrupting or damaging/destroying the normal operation of an enterprise or other important facility," the agency said.

The State Security Service added that it will provide the public with updates as the investigation progresses.

Electricity has been fully restored across Georgia after a second nationwide blackout in less than 48 hours disrupted transport, water supplies, and other essential services, authorities said.

The incident marked the second major power outage to hit Georgia in two days. During the night of July 23–24, a separate nationwide blackout left most of the country, including Tbilisi, without electricity for several hours.

By Sabina Mammadli