UNM’s Sanikidze: Questions around October 4 rally will soon be clarified, unthinkable to accuse me

Levan Sanikidze, a member of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), commented on the events surrounding the October 4 rally, alleging that the original protest plan had been “disrupted, betrayed, and abandoned.”

“The organizers and their family members are now speaking about betrayal and abandonment. All questions will soon be clarified,” Sanikidze said.

According to him, the reasons behind the lack of coordination during the rally will inevitably come to light. He criticized media coverage, particularly TV Pirveli, for what he described as unfair attacks.

“I hope TV Pirveli will not create Post TV-style cards featuring ‘Gubazich,’ ‘Gubaz’s boy,’ or ‘Millionerovich.’ I have developed immunity to such attacks, but accusing me of cowardice is far worse. Even the ‘Kotsi’ did not insult me in that way,” Sanikidze remarked.

The UNM politician stressed that he had “nothing to prove,” noting that many witnesses could confirm his presence at the rally and that surveillance footage from the Ministry of Internal Affairs could also verify his whereabouts. “If you are so eager to track my movements, they will provide the information,” he added.

Sanikidze rejected allegations that he had “sold out” or abandoned supporters. “It is an unbelievable story. I have never sold anyone in my life. I came many times when leaders of another party were arrested. There is no need to question my loyalty or friendships,” he stated.

He linked the October 4 developments to what he described as a larger political problem. “Everyone is in Ivanishvili’s captivity,” Sanikidze claimed.

“As for how it all unfolded, what the original plan was, and who the influential people were that betrayed it — I hope we will soon find out,” he concluded.