Giorgi Gakharia: Being in opposition associated with physical security risks

“Being in the opposition in Georgia today is associated with and means facing physical security risks,” wrote Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, in his social network post.

Gakharia echoed the June 26 physical clash in the parliament and remarked that violence is inspired by impunity, which high-ranking officials in the government benefit from.

“We entered the parliament so that citizens, including those who voted for the Georgian Dream, would not be left alone with their own needs and problems, so that we could use all the tools of the parliament to ensure the accountability of the government and for different viewpoints to be heard in the parliament. We have never stopped fulfilling this mission.

The Georgian Dream responded to the political opposition with coordinated physical violence. Our colleague Giga Parulava required medical assistance. Being in the opposition in Georgia today is associated with facing physical security risks. This violence is inspired by impunity, which high-ranking officials in the government benefit from,” he wrote.

A skirmish took place between the majority and opposition MPs as soon as Giorgi Sharashidze, MP from the Gakharia for Georgia party, completed his speech.