Opposition leader Khoshtaria: focus should be on defeating Ivanishvili, not securing my release

Imprisoned opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria has urged supporters to stop focusing solely on her release, arguing that efforts should instead be directed toward broader political change and the release of all prisoners she considers victims of the current government.

In a letter released from prison on Friday, Khoshtaria said she does not view herself as someone who needs to be individually "rescued" and insisted that she would regain her freedom alongside other detainees after the defeat of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.

"I am not the one who needs saving. Bidzina Ivanishvili should worry about saving himself from the inevitable trouble he is entangled in. I will be free together with all prisoners after Bidzina Ivanishvili is defeated," Khoshtaria wrote.

She called on supporters to focus on strengthening themselves rather than engaging in hunger strikes or other forms of self-sacrifice, saying that "now is not the time for hunger, but for becoming stronger."

Khoshtaria also expressed solidarity with individuals convicted in connection with the October 4 case, including physician Giorgi Chakhunashvili, and voiced particular concern over the condition of defendant Zakro Albutashvili.

Thanking journalists, civil activists, politicians and citizens for their support, Khoshtaria argued that concentrating exclusively on her release could give the authorities leverage to influence or pressure the opposition.

She also referred to the upcoming anniversary of the June 20, 2019 protests, describing it as an important date in Georgia's recent political history and calling for continued efforts against what she described as the current regime.