“What happened can probably be most briefly assessed as a Georgian Dream special operation. Accordingly, everything that occurred was planned or organised in advance at some level in Georgian Dream’s office,” stated Iago Khvichia, leader of the Girchi party.

According to him, the notion that Grigol Liluashvili betrayed the opposition is not serious.

“As regards Liluashvili’s betrayal, that Liluashvili betrayed the opposition, this suggestion is inherently an oxymoron. It’s extremely embarrassing when opposition media outlets or politicians take this seriously. Unlike many others, Bacho Akhalaia has already paid a penalty for past actions. As for his involvement in these events, I think that if the authorities had any serious evidence of this, they wouldn’t be posting AI-generated fake videos as proof of Bacho Akhalaia’s involvement in this scenario. Consequently, I view the authorities’ claim about Bacho Akhalaia’s guilt in this matter with scepticism.

It was a rare occasion when Tamar Chergoleishvili retracted her statement, and therefore, I cannot comment on what occurred. I know that Bacho Akhalaia’s name has been demonised in this country generally, and his invocation can often be used by the authorities when they need to divert attention to another topic. My favourite argument remains that Liluashvili betrayed the opposition cause; otherwise, everything would have been fine. At the very least, let them reveal to the public the plan that Mr Liluashvili betrayed.

I suppose their electorate is accustomed to not demanding a plan. Those who are responsible for October 4, for instance, and for the countless lies that have been told until now, really should not remain in Georgian politics and should bid us farewell,” Khvichia declared.