**Kidnapping Linked to Attempt to Intimidate Politician’s Wife**
In a shocking turn of events, the chairwoman of Georgia’s “United National Movement” has spoken out against what she claims was an attempt to silence her. Tina Bokuchava made the statement at a briefing, revealing that her husband had been kidnapped and held for eight hours by masked men.
According to Bokuchava, the incident occurred late at night near their residence, where five masked individuals ambushed her husband, Kote Ioseliani. Despite their efforts, they failed to cause serious physical harm but managed to kidnap him, blindfold him, and tie his hands before taking him to an unknown location.
**A Pretext for Intimidation**
Bokuchava emphasized that the real reason behind this heinous act was not the public comment made by her husband about Uta Ivanishvili seven years ago, but rather to intimidate and silence her. She stated that her husband’s apology video released yesterday was just a pretext, adding fuel to the fire.
The kidnappers, Bokuchava claimed, pressured Ioseliani for eight hours, threatening him and detailing his daily routes, including those of their three small children. The family’s private lives were being used as leverage against them, making it clear that they were not just targeting her husband but also putting the entire family at risk.
**A Message to Those Behind the Act**
Bokuchava delivered a bold message to those responsible for the kidnapping, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates. She declared that she was not afraid and would fight to dismantle their violent regime. The courage displayed by Bokuchava serves as a testament to her determination to stand up against such tactics.
This incident highlights the dangers of using intimidation and violence to silence opposition voices in Georgia. As the country navigates its political landscape, such acts will only serve to strengthen the resolve of those who dare to speak out.
**Background**
For context, Kote Ioseliani released a video last night apologizing to Bidzina Ivanishvili’s son, Uta Ivanishvili, for remarks he made about him several years ago. This incident has shed light on the complexities of Georgia’s politics and the lengths some individuals will go to silence their opponents.
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