UNM leader Khabeishvili’s arrest was ‘expected’ as Gov’t ‘fears’ planned overthrow, opposition member

Giorgi Botkoveli, regional secretary of the United National Movement (UNM), has described the isolation of opposition figure Levan Khabeishvili as “expected,” saying it reflected the ruling authorities’ alleged fear of the upcoming 4 October “peaceful overthrow” following local elections and “public support” for Khabeishvili.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Botkoveli said Khabeishvili had gained “significant backing” during the period leading up to his detention and noted that the government had blocked his communication with the outside world.

He also dismissed allegations of interference with witnesses, calling claims that three prison employees were insulted by Khabeishvili “absurd” and “orchestrated” to intimidate him and suppress voter sentiment ahead of the elections.

“Authorities are afraid - afraid of 4 October, afraid of Levan Khabeishvili, and most importantly, afraid of the Georgian people,” Botkoveli said. “I am confident that even behind prison walls, he will continue his work, and the people will ultimately deliver justice to the Russian-backed regime.”

Khabeishvili was arrested on September 11 by the State Security Service (GSSS) on charges of bribery and incitement to overthrow the government.

GSSS said Khabeishvili had publicly offered a $200,000 reward to police officers, including members of the Special Tasks Department, if they refused to disperse protesters and sided with demonstrators during a planned “peaceful revolution” on October 4, coinciding with Georgia’s local elections. 

The SSG charged Khabeishvili under Part 2 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to offering bribes to officials for committing illegal acts. This offense carries a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.