Tbilisi Mayor slams foreign diplomats over Khoshtaria verdict, calls for respect of Georgian internal affairs

Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi, has criticised statements made by several foreign diplomats regarding the court verdict against opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, saying that some diplomatic comments overstepped accepted norms and constitute interference in Georgia’s domestic affairs.

“Everyone should take care of their own country and focus on the work they were sent here to do,” Kaladze said. He added that some ambassadors’ public remarks about Georgia “go far beyond any diplomatic activity” and amount to “direct interference in the country’s internal political affairs.”

Regarding the Khoshtaria case itself, Kaladze stated that the politician’s actions went beyond the mere damage of a banner, as she allegedly obstructed the electoral campaign of the ruling party, Georgian Dream.

“This was not simply damaging a banner or photo. It was interference with the election campaign despite multiple warnings. You will not find a single case in which we, as politicians, went to the offices of another party to intimidate, insult, or damage their materials. The attempt to portray this as a minor incident is misleading. Purposeful damage and attempts to enter someone else’s property constitute a criminal offence and require appropriate legal response,” Kaladze said.

The mayor stressed that adults were responsible for their own actions and faced consequences under the law.

“I am not pleased that anyone goes to prison, but we are all adults and make our own decisions. Khoshtaria had the opportunity to admit her wrongdoing and pay bail, but she chose not to. That is her right. Actions recorded during the pre-election period, such as approaching our campaign office, insulting people, or damaging banners, are unacceptable. We are building a civil, democratic state where all political parties must be able to conduct campaigns freely,” Kaladze added.

He also made a personal remark regarding Khoshtaria’s family situation, suggesting she should have considered her responsibilities: “With four children, perhaps she should have thought more carefully about her decisions.”