UNM leader vows to resist any ban on party

Georgian opposition politician Anna Tsitlidze has vowed that the United National Movement will continue fighting for Georgia’s freedom, regardless of the Constitutional Court’s decision on a lawsuit seeking to ban several opposition parties.

Speaking on Wednesday, Tsitlidze accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of exerting pressure on judges and described the proposed ban as an attempt to suppress free speech and pro-European political views.

“The United National Movement will never bow to the Russian occupation regime and will fight to the end for Georgia’s freedom against Bidzina Ivanishvili,” Tsitlidze said.

Her remarks followed the resignation of Constitutional Court judge Manana Kobakhidze, whose request to withdraw from the case was rejected. Kobakhidze, a former Georgian Dream lawmaker and founding member of the party, had argued that her participation could raise doubts about the impartiality of the proceedings. She left the court on 13 October, citing a personal resignation request. 

The lawsuit, brought by 88 members of parliament, seeks to ban five opposition parties - the United National Movement, Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia, the Federalist Party and For Georgia. The ruling party argues that their activities violate Georgia’s constitutional order, allegations rejected by the opposition.

Tsitlidze warned judges that banning the parties would not only affect their members and supporters but also undermine the idea of a free and European Georgia. She also said those responsible could face international sanctions.