“The individuals lose their freedom the moment they unconditionally accept and obey unjust or absurd rules — in other words, lawlessness. If we convince ourselves that wearing a mask, peacefully protesting on Rustaveli Avenue, buying gas mask, or writing the truth on a banner is a crime, then we are voluntarily giving up our freedom. This is deliberate slavery,” Elene Khoshtaria, the leader of the Droa opposition party, wrote on social media.

She adds that “temporary discomfort (imprisonment) is incomparably better than conscious slavery.”

“Another concept that Kotsi does not understand is solidarity. Loneliness is not sitting in a cell — it is the absence of compassion and the severing of inner connection with others. As citizens, we do not need the government for compassion. They need the ability to empathize to feel human. When you are unable to feel the joy of solidarity, you are forever unhappy. We may sometimes be afraid — that is human. We may get tired or saddened — that is also human. But overcoming this and moving forward is the struggle, and people have already shown an extraordinary ability to do so. Solidarity with all political prisoners — until the end,” her post concludes.