Opposition leader Baramidze does not rule out arrest or 'physical retaliation'

Opposition United National Movement leader Giorgi Baramidze said he could not rule out being handed over to Russia by what he called the "traitorous regime", and said he did not exclude the possibility of being arrested, shot or subjected to physical retaliation.

Baramidze said the remarks were part of an attempt to discredit him.

He defended his record during the conflicts in Georgia, saying his biography and role in releasing prisoners were well known. He also reiterated his position that Russia, rather than Georgians and Abkhaz, was the occupying force and had started the war.

Baramidze said Russia had sentenced him in absentia to six years and six months in prison over his participation in fighting against Russia in Ukraine.

"I do not even rule out that this traitorous regime could hand me directly over to Russia. Therefore, I do not rule out imprisonment, a bullet or physical retaliation," Baramidze said.

The Prosecutor General's Office is continuing to question people in connection with Baramidze's earlier remarks that Georgians had shot prisoners during the war in Abkhazia.