**Georgia’s Leader in Prison, But Still Calling for Protest**
In a dramatic turn of events, Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of Lelo – Strong Georgia, has been sentenced to 8 months in prison for failing to appear before Parliament’s temporary investigative commission. Despite this setback, Khazaradze remains undeterred and is calling on his supporters to take action.
**”Take Back Tbilisi!”**
Khazaradze’s message to his party members was clear: it’s time to take back the capital city of Tbilisi from the ruling party. “We can take back Tbilisi if we all come out!” he exclaimed, urging everyone to mobilize and unite in protest. With every party leader now in prison, Khazaradze believes this is a moment of hope for the protest movement.
**A Message to Friends in Prison**
Khazaradze’s words are not just a call to action, but also a message of solidarity to his fellow leaders who are currently behind bars. “I will prove to our friends in prison – to Zura, to Nika, and to Nika – that this is the only right path,” he said, referring to three other party leaders who are facing similar charges.
**No Room for Fear**
Khazaradze’s message is one of courage and defiance. He accuses Bidzina Ivanishvili, a wealthy businessman and former Prime Minister, of wanting people to stay at home and be silent. “Sitting at home now, with your hands and ears dropped, is a crime,” he declared. Khazaradze urges his supporters not to give in to fear, but to take action and demand change.
**The Context**
For those who may not know, Mamuka Khazaradze was found guilty of failing to comply with the request of Parliament’s temporary investigative commission. This sentence bars him from holding public office for 2 years and has sparked widespread outrage among his supporters. The ruling party’s actions have been widely criticized as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
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