UNM’s Pavlenishvili: October 4 protest to be peaceful, aims to end regime

Irakli Pavlenishvili, Deputy Secretary General of the National Movement, stated that the October 4 rally will be a peaceful demonstration, but its ultimate goal is to bring about the end of the current regime.

“The position regarding October 4 is very clear. The organizers have never advocated violence. Speculation based on social media comments is unfounded. Both the organizers and the majority of the protest participants have openly stated that this is a peaceful demonstration. However, in light of the current disintegration of the regime, the aim is to bring about its end. My friend and comrade-in-arms, our party leader Levan Khabeishvili, was arrested for a political statement in which he explained the meaning of this term, referencing historical examples from our country and neighboring states. The action is intended to remain peaceful,” Pavlenishvili said.

Responding to the statement of State Security Service head Mamuka Mdinaradze, who warned of planned provocations and advised against breaking the law, Pavlenishvili dismissed the claims as typical conspiracy theories.

“Members of Ivanishvili’s camp often fabricate conspiracy theories in tense situations, talking about ‘tire revolutions’ and other myths, sometimes leading to investigations. They have now even started arrests on fabricated charges. Such narratives from them do not surprise us,” he stated.

Pavlenishvili emphasized that the plan for October 4 is entirely peaceful.

“The action organized by Paata Burchuladze and ‘Rustaveli Avenue’ is acceptable to us. One of our leaders has become a key supporter of this movement, which is simple for us: either a dictatorship is established, or it is not. The regime is becoming increasingly cruel. The plan for October 4, as outlined by Paata Burchuladze and his team, does not involve violence. It will be a peaceful action across several locations, with the stage set at multiple points. Our strength lies in our numbers and the internal weakening of the regime. All other claims are simply speculation,” Pavlenishvili said.