Detained opposition leader Badri Japaridze: “we are ready to enter unequal battle”

Opposition leader and co-founder of the Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition, Badri Japaridze, has sent a letter from prison, condemning the ruling party's recent political crackdowns and expressing unwavering commitment to democratic resistance.

In the letter, dated July 6 and signed from Cell 214, Japaridze denounces the imprisonment of young activists and political leaders as a deliberate tactic by the ruling Georgian Dream party to crush public resistance and secure unchecked one-party control across all state institutions and public life.

“It was absolutely right and timely for the Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition to respond to the arrest of young people with firm resolve and a bold step regarding the upcoming municipal elections,” Japaridze writes. “We are ready to enter an unequal fight to defend their rights.”

He warns that the increasing number of political prisoners — including high-profile opposition figures — is intended to dishearten the public and stifle hope for change. He also accuses the government of trying to sow division among pro-Western, national democratic forces, referencing a recent statement issued under the name of former President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who promised to pardon those opposition leaders who agree to take part in local elections. Japaridze called this statement “a part of Georgian Dream’s malicious agenda.”

Japaridze calls on opposition forces to reject provocation and unite: “Any such attempts must be answered with unity and mutual respect for each other’s positions.”

The letter ends with a demand for the release of all political prisoners and a reaffirmation of the coalition’s readiness to fight back, despite the odds.