"What about the Chataev and his protector Saakashvili I had had many questions previously, before his release. That's why I considered that a release of this person was too hasty. Nevertheless, the Public Procurator's Office took this decision, in illegal bearing of arms. He was released as if being a negotiator between government and insurgents in the Lopota incident. More or less this is very good to discuss such questions, however we should not forget that we are talking about Pankisi valley, about the state security questions, and state secrets and secret agents. I urge everybody to refrain from excessive ‘bla-bla ‘ on this matter. This may harm interests of the country, ‘- Tsulukiani tells.

Justice Minister talks about  relations of previous government (UNM) with Akhmed Chataev, Russian citizen of Chechen ethnicity, and promises that will make efforts for investigating the case.
"Yes many questions raised this case, as the being back then President Saakashvili, Vano Merabishvili, ex-MIA Minister, Mr Lortkipanidze were the  persons who bring into our country Chataev from Ukraine's prison. He was used in different cases in its favor, for its service, and when he became dangerous, he was imprisoned. When we came into power he was imprisoned already. I promise as soon Saakashvili will be injailed, handed into Georgian Justice, the investigation on this case will be conducted, " - Thea Tsulukiani promised  journalists.

The media names Akhmed Chataev as one of the heads of the IS, nevertheless he is not a suspect in Istanbul International Airport terrorist attack.

For information, the special operation against an illegal armed group in Lopota (Pankisi) was conducted. During the operation, in Lopota valley that began on August 28, 2012, at least 14 people were killed and at least six wounded. Georgian special forces engaged an unidentified paramilitary group (jihadists) of about 17 persons which had allegedly taken several people hostage in a remote Caucasus gorge of Lopota near the border between Georgia and the Russia's Republic of Dagestan

In November 2012, the new government has reopened the investigation into the incident, conducted by the Interior Ministry in cooperation  with the Public Procurator's office. In April 2013, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has become a new Prime Minister, said that the investigation may reveal "shocking" results and substantiate allegations of Ucha Nanuashvili, Public Defender. Ivanishvili's statement was strongly criticized as "irresponsible" and "dangerous" by Saakashvili, who declared "with full responsibility" that "Georgia never participated in training any terrorists."

Allegedly ex Defense Minister who was injailed afterwards, organized the military trainings for Chechens and Kists, and settled them into the country. The Russian government has repeatedly accused Georgia of offering a safe haven to the insurgents.