“Murtaz Zodelava has been a leader and active member of the coalition Ahali since its inception. Within Ahali, there are, with rare exceptions, virtually no interviews or even Facebook posts about him. Any journalist has the right to ask even the most probing or biased questions, but my question is: does Murtaz Zodelava not deserve support from his team and friends?” Ani Tsitlidze, a member of the United National Movement opposition party, wrote on social media.

Tsitlidze’s statement comes in response to comments made by Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia regarding the events of October 4.

“Murtaz Zodelava has been a leader and member of the coalition Ahali from its inception to the present day. He was known for making very sharp statements during the internal processes of the UNM. Murtaz Zodelava has sacrificed himself and now faces nine years in prison. He fought for what he believed in and dared to do what many would not,” she noted.

Tsitlidze criticized Ahali leaders Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia for issuing statements about October 4 without mentioning Zodelava, who she described as their closest friend and a key leader of the coalition.

“A person’s right to ask questions, even the most challenging or biased, should never be restricted. Society draws its own conclusions. But my question remains: does Murtaz Zodelava not deserve support from his team and friends?” Tsitlidze wrote.

Earlier, Melia posted on Facebook that the “announced, poster-posted revolution will never happen,” claiming that the organizers of October 4 failed to gain the support of 98% of attendees. Meanwhile, Gvaramia’s post expressed respect and sympathy for the members of the revolutionary committee while emphasizing that the public deserves the truth from them.