Opposition member Pophkhadze: as long as there are political prisoners in Georgia, protests will continue

If the current situation persists and political and conscience prisoners remain in the country, the protests cannot be stopped, Gedevan Pophkhadze, a member of the Coalition for Change, said on Wednesday.

He stressed the need to end what he described as ongoing repressions and called for the release of all detainees.

“The repressions must end. We are demanding new, fair elections and the release of all prisoners. If things continue this way and political and conscience prisoners remain, naturally, we will not stop our protests”, Pophkhadze said.

He added that protesters were motivated not by personal interest but by the “unbearable reality” in the country.

“Freedom to all political prisoners! We must return to the people their right to a future - that is the main goal. Fair elections must be held so that the country gains a legitimate Parliament [...] and the opportunity for a better future”, he said.