Opposition UNM accuses ruling Georgian Dream of 12 years of persecution

The United National Movement (UNM) opposition has accused the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party of a long-standing campaign of persecution. Giorgi Baramidze, the UNM’s political secretary, stated that for 12 years, party members have faced arrests, physical attacks, and harassment. Yet, the government has failed to dismantle the opposition despite its efforts.

Baramidze alleged that the Georgian Dream, under its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili’s influence, has prioritized destroying the UNM. He also claimed that criminal elements affiliated with the GD have repeatedly tried to disrupt UNM’s political activities.

“Criminal gangs have continually targeted our team, attempting to sabotage our meetings. When they failed to provoke us, they resorted to physical aggression, even insulting women. Our leader, Levan Metreveli, defended them and was assaulted as a result,” he said.
The UNM claims that such incidents are part of a broader strategy by the Georgian Dream to intimidate the opposition. Despite the ongoing pressure, Baramidze emphasized that the party remains undeterred.

The party’s press office stated that the latest incident occurred in the village of Kardanakhi, where Georgian Dream activists allegedly attacked UNM leaders during a meeting with local residents. Levan Metreveli, the party’s healthcare secretary, was reportedly physically assaulted during the altercation.