UNM’s Bokuchava: In the end we will win, unity is key

“The regime today announced that criticism of the regime — including any meeting with foreign partners, scheduled visits abroad, expression of opinion, and defence of the country’s national interests and citizens — is a crime punishable by imprisonment under Ivanishvili’s Russian-occupation regime,” Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of the United National Movement, stated.

Speaking at a briefing, Bokuchava said the measures are clear evidence that Bidzina Ivanishvili intends to establish a dictatorship that will abolish not only political parties but also free expression and independent institutions.

Bokuchava warned that the campaign goes beyond parties and could target universities, independent media and the civil sector, undermining Georgia’s sovereignty.

“Not only political parties will be abolished, but also educational institutions, universities, free media and the civil sector — Georgia will be deprived of independence and sovereignty,” she said.

Bokuchava noted that this is the future Ivanishvili’s regime is preparing for the country.

“The only thing the Ivanishvili regime fears is unity. Although I represent the largest political movement that has fought this regime since 2012 and never backed down, I can say clearly: Ivanishvili is not afraid of any individual politician, party, or political union — he fears our unity,” she stated.

“People who should have already been released from prison are being kept behind bars solely to prevent the formation of broad socio-political unity capable of defeating the regime. As for President Mikheil Saakashvili — the main political threat to Ivanishvili’s occupation regime — Ivanishvili has declared that he will remain in illegal captivity because of his posts on Facebook,” Bokuchava added.

According to her, the dictatorship has reached a phase of “complete absurdity,” and the only response must be continued struggle.

“That is why I want to say clearly to the representatives of this regime — the fight led by the United National Movement will continue, both inside and outside the country: in the Constitutional Court, on the streets, together with civil activists and politicians on all fronts.

In recent weeks, the UNM’s foreign team has held important meetings with foreign ministers, deputies, and European commissioners to prevent the greatest danger facing Georgian citizens — the possible suspension of the visa-free regime caused by the government’s actions.

As Mzia Amaglobeli said, we must fight while we still can, before it’s too late; and as Zura Japaridze said, victory will be ours. In the end, we will win — and unity is the key. The United National Movement will spare no effort to achieve broad socio-political unity,” said Tina Bokuchava.