EPP urges 'immediate investigation' into alleged kidnapping of Georgian opposition leader’s husband

The European People’s Party (EPP) has expressed deep concern over reports of the alleged abduction of Kote Ioseliani, the husband of Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of Georgia's main opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM). In an official statement, the EPP called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the incident.

“We are deeply concerned about the reported abduction of UNM Georgia Chair Tina Bokuchava's husband with alleged threats made on the safety of her children and ask for immediate and effective investigation to combat a climate of impunity.,” the EPP stated.

The statement comes amid alarming allegations made by Bokuchava during a Monday press briefing, where she claimed her husband was abducted by masked men late at night near their home. According to her, Ioseliani was blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to an undisclosed location — believed to be the so-called "Module" building — where he was held for approximately eight hours.

During that time, Bokuchava alleges, Ioseliani was subjected to psychological pressure and threatened with harm to their children — a 10-year-old and twin toddlers — unless he complied. A video later appeared on social media showing Ioseliani apologizing to Uta Ivanishvili, the son of Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, for a 2018 remark about Ivanishvili’s sexual orientation.

In the video, Ioseliani says, “I sincerely apologize to Uta. What I said was a lie. I regret having said it and want to apologize once again. Certain circumstances arose, based on which I was forced to say all this in this way.” Bokuchava insists the apology was made under duress and views the entire episode as a politically motivated effort to silence her.

“They couldn’t arrest me, so they targeted my family. But I will not be silenced,” Bokuchava said.