UNM’s Parulava: Gia Baramidze’s arrest is political retribution

“Let no one claim Gia Baramidze simply made a controversial statement and was arrested for it; that remark is one thing, but what is unfolding is the opening salvo of outright terror aimed at destroying political parties in this country,” declared Lasha Parulava, a member of the opposition United National Movement (UNM).

Parulava noted that Baramidze had already issued multiple clarifications specifying exactly what he meant when discussing the War in Abkhazia.

“What this so-called government, this Russian regime, is serving up is sheer madness. They are bringing charges over the War in Abkhazia against a true patriot of this country, Gia Baramidze. On this matter, Baramidze provided numerous explanations, clarifying precisely what he meant during his exchange with Iago Khvichia when addressing those specific events.

They explicitly telegraphed their intention to ban political parties today, launching an aggressive propaganda campaign. They told us outright that if a Georgian labels a Russian an enemy or an occupier, that constitutes ‘Russophobia’.

In this final stage of Russifying Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili has set about banning political parties, and Gia Baramidze’s detention is part of this madness. With this step, they are starting to destroy political parties. Therefore, we must stand together.

Everyone knows full well what Gia Baramidze has done for this nation, what a patriot and conscientious man he is. What is taking place is direct terror and repression, and we must all unite against it. What is currently being visited upon the United National Movement and Gia Baramidze is pure political retribution. Let no one say Gia Baramidze merely made a statement and was arrested for it; a statement is one thing, but what is unfolding is the start of terror designed to annihilate political parties in Georgia,” Parulava stated.

According to available reports, UNM member Gia Baramidze has been detained by law enforcement. The arrest is believed to be linked to a criminal investigation opened on 7 August 2026 under statutory articles covering high treason and sabotage, initiated after Baramidze publicly stated that Georgian combatants executed prisoners of war during the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia.