Koba Khabazi: “Georgia must break cycle of Russian influence”

Koba Khabazi, a Coalition for Change member, has accused Georgia’s ruling government, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, of adhering to directives from Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Khabazi, the Georgian government completely controls the country to satisfy Moscow’s demands.

“Ivanishvili is proving to Putin that he has everything under control. This leads to demands from Putin—adopting ‘Russian laws,’ rejecting the EU, and beating and suppressing citizens. These actions are happening under direct orders,” said Khabazi.

He went on to criticize ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, predicting that he may eventually flee to Russia, leaving his allies behind, much like former leader Aslan Abashidze, who abandoned his inner circle while escaping to Moscow.

“Ivanishvili will likely flee to Russia in his helicopter. Let me remind everyone of Aslan Abashidze, who ran away with his dog, leaving his friends behind. The same fate awaits many who now serve Ivanishvili,” he remarked.

Khabazi stressed the need for justice through fair trials for those complicit in the current regime. “Georgia must break free from this vicious cycle. With the end of Ivanishvili’s regime, Russia’s influence in Georgia will also end. This country deserves its rightful place in Europe,” he declared.

Khabazi’s comments come a day after masked assailants attacked him at the Coalition for Change office, leaving him with injuries. He claims the assault is part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation aimed at stifling dissent.