“Anyone who joins the GD’s game and Russian special operation will receive an adequate response from society,” declared Giorgi Baramidze, political secretary of the opposition United National Movement party.

Baramidze commented on Grigol Gegelia, one of the leaders of Lelo-Strong Georgia, whose presence at the last night demonstration in support of jailed journalist Mzia Amaglobeli prompted protests from other participants.

“Intellectual disagreements due to different views are not only acceptable but essential, particularly when a political force legitimises the regime and is prepared to participate in its game, that is, to take part in a Russian special operation,” Baramidze stated.

“What is supposed to take place on 4 October is a Russian special operation, a game by the Russian regime and Russia’s fifth column. People have been protesting continuously for days and months against the regime, not just in Tbilisi but throughout Georgia, against its illegal seizure of power and Russian special operations. Their objections should hardly come as a surprise. This is absolutely adequate,” UNM’s member continued.

“I take this opportunity once again to appeal to these forces: come to your senses, do not participate in Russian special operations, and finally stand alongside the absolute majority of Georgian citizens who are protesting against this Russian, treacherous, criminal gang and its dominance in Georgia.

Therefore, Russian special operations cannot possibly be considered as being engaged in some kind of struggle. This is not engagement in a struggle but participation in the GD’s game. So naturally, whoever joins the GD’s game and Russian special operations will receive from society the adequate response they deserve,” Baramidze concluded.

On 6 August, during a demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue, citizens confronted Grigol Gegelia, a member of the Lelo-Strong Georgia party. Verbal and physical confrontations began after protest participants objected to the presence of Lelo’s leader at the rally. According to demonstrators, their protest was prompted by Lelo’s participation in local government elections.