“It’s impossible for a prisoner not to congratulate other prisoners on their release, so I’ll start with congratulations. I fully understand the complexity of the situation, and I’m glad that ‘Lelo’ still has a way out, and it’s in their own hands – I mean withdrawing from the so-called election special operation and returning to the fold of the united opposition. That’s exactly what I hope and expect from Mamuka and Badri. If this doesn’t happen, a terrible mess will take hold in the opposition’s political and media field.
Second, I fully understand the complexity of the situation, and I’m glad that ‘Lelo’ still has a way out, and it’s in their own hands – by withdrawing from the so-called election special operation and returning to the united opposition, of course. I won’t hide that this is exactly what I hope and expect from Mamuka and Badri. If this doesn’t happen, a terrible mess will take hold in the opposition’s political and media field.
Third, it’s a grave mistake to say that Bidzina’s tactic now is ‘divide and conquer.’ No, friends. His tactic is ‘unite and humiliate.’
I wouldn’t advise anyone to be part of the alliance of those humiliated by Bidzina. It’s the shortest and surest path to ruin. And, even more importantly, it’s a sure path to damaging the salvation of our homeland and strengthening Bidzina.
Fourth and most important: it may seem strange or out of place to some for me to make this appeal in this situation, but I believe it’s necessary to say this here and now.
I want to address the founder of ‘Mtavari Arkhi,’ Zaza Okuashvili: Zaza, if I’m truly mistaken and your (to me, inexplicable) actions paralyzing the channel are not part of Bidzina’s game but merely a misunderstanding caused by anger, you can easily prove it now – give the channel the opportunity to function freely and resume broadcasting. Without any preconditions, let’s relieve ‘Mtavari’ of all its founders, and let the channel’s team decide what to do and how. If this is just about grievances and not Bidzina’s plan, we can sort out our misunderstandings (I mean all of us, not just the two of us) once we save the homeland. For now, let’s rise above personal issues, because few things are as important right now as a ‘Mtavari Arkhi’ free from influences, standing 24/7 in the service of the protest,” writes Gvaramia.
For reference, Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned the leaders of “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Kavelashvili explained his decision by stating that he wanted to ensure no one is left with the impression that the local self-government elections are being held under conditions of limited competitiveness.
As a reminder, the leaders of “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, were detained at the party’s office on June 23. Their detention was based on a decision by Judge Zviad Sharadze, who found both leaders guilty of failing to comply with the demands of the Parliament’s temporary investigative commission.
They were sentenced to eight months of imprisonment and banned from holding office for two years.
Nika Gvaramia: I wouldn’t advise anyone to join the alliance of those humiliated by Bidzina; it’s the shortest and surest path to ruin – ‘Lelo’ still has a way out: withdrawing from the so-called election special operation
