**Georgian Opposition Leader’s Husband Claims Kidnapping, Wife Calls for Swift Response from Law Enforcement**
In a shocking turn of events, Kote Ioseliani, husband of Tina Bokuchava, Chair of the United National Movement, has come forward with allegations that he was kidnapped by five masked individuals and held for eight hours before being pressured into releasing a video apology. The incident has sparked outrage among Georgian opposition leaders and civil society organizations.
Levan Natroshvili, Executive Director of ISFED (Institute for the Development of Freedom of Speech), has called on law enforcement agencies to respond with the same speed and urgency as they did in the case of Mariam Lashkhi or when other Georgian Dream MPs were insulted. “This is an unimaginable situation if it truly happened as described,” Natroshvili said. “Such things do not occur in democratic countries. They happen in countries like Russia or other authoritarian regimes.”
Natroshvili emphasized that the investigation into Ioseliani’s alleged kidnapping should be swift and transparent, citing concrete details provided by Bokuchava about the incident. “In reality, it would be a very simple case to investigate if the will exists,” he said.
**Hate Speech Campaign**
The Georgian Dream faction has submitted a complaint to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, accusing opposition leaders of an “externally funded hate speech campaign” targeting their MPs. However, Natroshvili disputed this claim, stating that it was actually the actions of Georgian Dream that led to societal division and demonization.
“This is a classic PR campaign,” Natroshvili said. “They are trying to discredit our international partners and domestic critics at the same time.” He accused Georgian Dream of using this strategy to justify undemocratic steps against certain groups, including opposition leaders and civil activists.
**Anti-Western Campaign**
Natroshvili also pointed out that the campaign is part of a broader anti-Western effort by Georgian Dream. “They are trying to convince their supporters that international partners are trying to stir up unrest in Georgia,” he said. This narrative, according to Natroshvili, is used to justify the tightening of legislation and restrictions on civil rights.
**Context**
The incident comes after Kote Ioseliani released a video apology to Uta Ivanishvili, son of Bidzina Ivanishvili, for remarks made years ago. The opposition leader’s husband has now come forward with allegations that he was kidnapped and pressured into releasing the video.
As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how law enforcement agencies respond to this high-profile case. Will they take swift action against those responsible, or will it be business as usual in Georgia?
