Opposition party ban case is part of Russia’s plan to distract from other issues, Giga Bokeria

The case seeking to ban opposition parties is part of Russia’s plan to divert attention from other problems, Federalists leader Giga Bokeria said, accusing the government of pursuing a course that serves Moscow’s interests.

“We know the public position of the free world. The course of Ivanishvili’s regime is one of confrontation with the free world in favour of Russia, Georgia’s enemy,” Bokeria said.

He stressed that he would not speak on behalf of Georgia’s international partners, adding that his message to Georgian society was that the issue went beyond political parties.

“This is not about the parties. Through this step, the regime wants to demonstrate its power and continue protecting its own interests at the expense of Georgia’s future, in favour of our enemies,” he said.

Bokeria also condemned the “government’s efforts” to restore relations with Russia, arguing that its messaging about reaching an understanding with Moscow did not represent a path towards peace but rather towards bloodshed.

He said the move against opposition parties was intended to distract from these issues but would not succeed.

A meeting between opposition leaders and ambassadors has concluded at the British Embassy, where several diplomats met opposition representatives to discuss the potential ban on political parties and ongoing developments in Georgia.