UNM’s Tsitlidze urges caution in commenting on October 4 arrests: ‘every word they say in custody is monitored’

One of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement, Anna Tsitlidze, on Sunday said while it was understandable questions had arisen regarding the October 4 protests and there was public interest in hearing from the organisers, those detained were in captivity, where “every word they say, including in conversations with their lawyers, is recorded and monitored”.

“Any statement they make, especially if we follow absurd conspiracy theories, could be used by the regime not only to strengthen charges against those already detained, but also to expand the circle of detainees,” Tsitlidze warned.

She noted the protest organisers were fully aware of the risks they faced and were prepared for harsh sentences but remained deeply concerned for others who were arrested after October 4.

“Every word spoken publicly can give them hope and motivation - we must not do anything to destroy that,” she wrote.

Tsitlidze dismissed speculation about alleged conspiracies involving former officials, adding they would answer “all questions at the appropriate time”.

“These people knowingly sacrificed themselves for this cause and went to prison. There is no question more important or harder to answer than that,” Tsitlidze stated, urging an end to what she called “the blaming and hysteria” directed at the detainees.