“I personally believe that this government must be overthrown as swiftly and ruthlessly as possible, in any form and by any means,” declared former Georgian Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia during the ongoing court hearing regarding the events of October 4.

Akhalaia asserted that this is the only path to true freedom.

“We have the legitimate right to do so. The most honest among us are duty-bound to overthrow Ivanishvili. I tell you, Ivanishvili must be toppled. Force must be used against all violent police officers who arrest, beat, and kick women and children. All these oppressive structures are fighting against us, against you and against everyone. All self-proclaimed usurpers must be expelled from parliament, the chancellery, and the presidential administration. This must be done, and it will be done,” Akhalaia declared.

For reference, the State Security Service of Georgia arrested former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia on December 25, 2025, in connection with the October 4 events. Akhalaia was charged with organising and leading group violence under Article 225, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a potential sentence of up to nine years’ imprisonment as punishment.