“My fellows and I categorically reject any form of violence. Our goal is to build the broadest possible protest front and bring about a change in government through assertive but peaceful means,” Georgia’s jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili wrote on social media.

He emphasised that anyone advocating for violence is either a provocateur or acting on behalf of Ivanishvili.

“I have received credible information that Ivanishvili’s mafia-associated State Security Service is planning a major provocation, to accuse the United National Movement, especially Levan Khabeishvili, of plotting an armed coup. They intend to arrest a large portion of the leadership and charge them with attempting to overthrow the government, using modern falsification methods. I state unequivocally: we reject violence in all forms. Anyone advocating otherwise is either a provocateur or acting on behalf of Ivanishvili,” Saakashvili stated.