“I call on fellow opposition members to recognize that unity is the only way forward for Georgia’s salvation. Freedom for Zura! Freedom for Misha! Freedom for all political prisoners!” wrote Tina Bokuchava, Chair of the United National Movement (UNM), on Facebook.

Bokuchava believes that Zurab Japaridze, leader of the Girchi-More Freedom party, would advocate for unity even from prison.

“I met Zura in 2012. We both became Members of Parliament from the UNM list. Back then, we believed that Russian-backed Ivanishvili wouldn’t win the elections. I planned to continue my work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while Zura focused on economic reforms.

We found ourselves in opposition and continued fighting as political opponents. Zura has always stood out with his modesty, sincerity, and competence — qualities sorely lacking in Georgian politics.

I am certain he is not afraid and would still call for unity for the country’s salvation. I urge others in the opposition to see that unity is our only hope. Freedom for Zura! Freedom for Misha! Freedom for all political prisoners!” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, Zurab Japaridze, a leader of the Coalition for Change, has had his bail conditions replaced with imprisonment as a preventive measure.

This decision was made by Judge Irakli Shvangiradze of Tbilisi City Court. Japaridze was detained directly in the courtroom during the hearing.