“If I ever wished for anything on my birthday, it is unity — the unification of our nation to save our motherland,” wrote Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party, on Facebook.

Vashadze wrote that the sole concern weighing on him from behind bars is the ongoing infighting among opposition leaders.

“I have turned 44. Thank you to everyone who congratulated me on my birthday. I feel resolute and ready to fight, confident in our eventual victory. If I could wish for anything today, it would be unity — the unification of our nation to rescue our homeland. The sooner we unite, the sooner we will succeed!

My greatest worry is the opposition’s internal conflicts. I watch them on TV, offending each other, and while this may be less personally troubling, it painfully wounds my heart. I believe that such discord only distances us from victory.

I sincerely hope we will soon overcome our divisions, start listening to one another, respect differing viewpoints, find common ground, acknowledge our mistakes, and unite for success. The power lies in our unity! Yours, imprisoned yet free, Giorgi Vashadze.”