Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, has issued a letter from Rustavi Penitentiary Institution, published on his Facebook.

Writing from detention, Japaridze outlined five key points about Georgia’s current political situation:

Rustaveli protests: Japaridze described evening demonstrations on Rustaveli Avenue as “the most important” form of public expression, showing that “people are fighting for freedom, even without politicians.”

He argued that whilst political briefings or arrested politicians only demonstrate that “some politician” is fighting, the Rustaveli gatherings show resistance.

Salome Zourabichvili: Despite being “a longtime critic” of President Salome Zourabichvili, Japaridze said the country needs an institution with legitimacy for international engagement.

“She can speak to the West as the only person with legitimacy and speak in a language they understand,” he wrote, adding that he sees no path to victory without uniting forces, potentially through Zurabishvili’s “Resistance Platform.”

Court: Japaridze described courts as places “where you can look evil in the eyes,” where “regime lies come together” and where “innocent people lose their lives” through unjust imprisonment. He noted that public presence at proceedings of the political prisoners is important.

Weekly marches: Referring to weekend demonstrations as “the second regular form of public resistance” after daily Rustaveli protests, Japaridze identified two problems he observed before his arrest:

“These marches were not being promoted properly, neither on TV nor on social networks. I don’t know what the reason was, but I suspect it’s the jealousy, competition, mistrust.” He also criticised what he called a tendency “to undermine each other’s enthusiasm and initiatives.”

Politicians: Japaridze said all politicians on the front lines face “inevitable consequences” – threats, fines, beatings, job losses, detention – warning that those remaining silent would be “next” under what he called the “law of the genre.”

The opposition figure concluded by saying he was doing “normally” in detention and was reading extensively.

In a postscript, he referenced a court fine of 5,000 lari for allegedly blocking a road on 4 February, writing: “Let me out! I’ll pay!”​