**Lelo Secretary General Responds to Mikheil Kavelashvili’s Pardon Offer**
In a bold statement, Lelo Secretary General Irakli Kupradze has rejected an offer by Mikheil Kavelashvili, a close ally of Bidzina Ivanishvili, to pardon convicted politicians in exchange for their participation in elections. Kavelashvili had suggested that all political leaders apply for pardon and confirm their desire to participate in the elections, in which case he would immediately issue an act of pardon.
**A demonstration of fear**
Irakli Kupradze described Kavelashvili’s statement as a “ridiculous and unfortunate attempt” by Ivanishvili to trade the freedom of political leaders. He claimed that this was a demonstration of Ivanishvili’s fears, aimed at complicating the opposition’s decision-making ability with moral dilemmas.
**No pardon for the illegitimate president**
Kupradze categorically stated that there will be no appeal for pardon to the “illegitimate president” (referring to Bidzina Ivanishvili). Instead, he vowed to show him the way to the Russian ship, implying that Ivanishvilli and his allies are more aligned with Russia than Georgia.
**A call for unity**
Irakli Kupradze also addressed the fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, calling on her to fulfill her promise of unity. He argued that unity is the key to defeating Ivanishvili and his gang, and that no struggle will make sense if they are unable to hold the main line of unity.
**Context**
The statement comes in the context of two leaders of Lelo-Strong Georgia, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, being in custody. They were found guilty by a court of failing to comply with a request from a temporary investigative commission of parliament, and were sentenced to 8 months in prison each.
**Implications**
Irakli Kupradze’s statement has significant implications for the Georgian opposition, which is struggling to unite against Ivanishvili and his allies. By rejecting Kavelashvili’s pardon offer, Kupradze has sent a strong message that Lelo will not be swayed by moral dilemmas or attempts to split their ranks.
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