Ongoing Protest necessary, strengthens Rustaveli Avenue demonstrations, opposition figure

Gedevan Popkhadze, a member of the Coalition for Change, on Monday said the latest protest action was necessary and represented “the right choice,” arguing that it reinforced the ongoing demonstrations on Rustaveli Avenue.

Popkhadze said people were being held in prison “solely because they have different views toward the de facto government.” He accused the authorities of lacking accountability and serving the interests of a narrow financial elite.

“They have people in prison only because they hold different opinions about the existing de facto authorities,” he said. “They feel no accountability to the public. They do everything to earn millions, fill their homes with this money, and create a financial elite detached from society and serving one person. This protest was necessary - we made the right choice, and it strengthens the protest on Rustaveli Avenue.”

Politicians and activists have been on hunger strike outside the parliament building for 21 days. They are demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of individuals they consider political prisoners.