Droa opposition leader Khoshtaria responds to reports over “receiving millions of rubles” from Russia by her father

Elene Khoshtaria, the leader of the Droa opposition party, has responded to reports  by Imedi TV, according to which her “family member” had received “millions of rubles” from Russia, even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Khoshtaria’s calls to the international community to impose sanctions on Irakli Rukhadze, the owner of Imedi TV, preceded the reports. 

“Imedi TV was very excited about Irakli Rukhadze’s revelation. In the coming days, you will get more information about Rukhadze’s connections with sanctioned people. 

“My father is the successor of Soliko Virsaladze, a theater artist who worked at the Mariinsky Theater in the 20th century and whose plays are still staged all over the world. Consequently, for 25 years on, my father has received funds for each of the play,” Khoshtaria said Thursday, noting that her father suspended contacts with Russian Rao. 

She suggested that the “lie will not work,” and that she would continue “presenting evidence” over Rukhadze’s contacts with sanctioned individuals. 

The ruling Georgian Dream representatives and supporters said “as it seems Russian money does not stink.”