Strategy Aghmashenebeli’s Manjgaladze: I had no overthrow intention

“I had no intention of overthrow; I cannot see how that would even be possible. I was calm in the cell because I could not have divulged a plan, as I did not know one,” stated Paata Manjgaladze, member of the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party, at his court hearing.

According to him, the proceedings are unjust.

“I am not saying I was not at the demonstration or that I do not want change; it is simply that everything is exaggerated. The only evidence is a video performance. I was engaging with journalists. One girl came up and told me they wanted to film a performance and that it would be good if I came. Why shouldn’t I have my picture taken? It is inconceivable. I went spontaneously. I do not shy away from anything, but there was no organised group whatsoever; it was a spontaneous performance. I even joked that this performance could become the basis for charges. When I went to the office, they told me it was dangerous to participate in a performance under those circumstances. The video was posted shortly afterwards. When you are uncertain about what is pragmatically right, you tend to behave like a decent human being. There was no call to action; I didn’t want to give the system any additional grounds. I constantly tried to act in a way that would not cross any lines. I dreamt that Paata Manjgaladze would become the kind of politician capable of rallying 100,000 people.

Would I feel proud of this performance? On what grounds do I consider myself an organiser? I would be truly delighted if 100,000 people responded to my call. I have not even met the organisers; we have not shared khachapuri; we have not had coffee. What am I accused of? Do not think I am frightened. Despite having the sense that the regime was deeply entrenched and was acting very cautiously, I had no intention of overthrowing it. I cannot see how that would even have been possible. I was unaware of any plan whatsoever. I was in the cell when, in November, rumours circulated that someone had disclosed a plan. I stayed calm because I could not have revealed a plan, as I did not know of one,” stated Paata Manjgaladze.