Coalition for Change: Baramidze’s arrest on trumped-up treason charges by regime blaming Georgia for starting the war is classic Russian cynicism

The opposition political alliance Coalition for Change has responded with a statement following the arrest of United National Movement (UNM) member Giorgi Baramidze, extending its full solidarity to the politician and his family while declaring his detention unlawful and politically motivated.

The opposition coalition strongly condemned the legal actions taken against Baramidze, framing the arrest as a transparent attempt by the ruling authorities to obscure their own record.

“The Coalition for Change has expressed its full support for Giorgi Baramidze, who has been unlawfully detained by Ivanishvili, as well as his family.

The arrest of Giorgi Baramidze on fake treason charges by a regime that has spent years blaming its own homeland for starting the 2008 war, that dismissed national hero Giorgi Antsukhelidze as a ‘sacrifice to PR’, whose highest political offices are occupied by confirmed Russian spies, and which established a so-called parliamentary commission on high treason, is quintessential Russian cynicism and a desperate attempt to cover up its own treacherous policies.

Weakened by internal feuds, mutual distrust, and underworld-style clashes between rival clans, the Ivanishvili regime is attempting to project strength.

We, the Coalition for Change, declare that the regime’s reliance on brute force is doomed to failure. We will fight on until the very last political prisoner walks free from captivity and until we secure the right to free and fair elections for our people,” the statement reads.

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia arrested former Minister of Internal Affairs and Defence (2003–2004) Gia Baramidze pursuant to a court warrant on charges of state treason, specifically manifested through sabotage. The charges carry a potential penalty of up to four years’ imprisonment.