UNM leader Khabeishvili writes from detention: ‘victory is inevitable’

Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the political council of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), has issued a letter from detention, saying he remained confident in “the unconditional victory of the Georgian people” despite his arrest.

In the letter ahead of Saturday’s municipal vote and a planned rally, Khabeishvili recalled alleged incidents of violence against protesters and opposition activists, saying those experiences had strengthened him mentally and spiritually.

“My blood ran cold when I saw young people beaten and bloodied… A few days later, when I rushed to save one of them, my own facial bones were broken. Watching prisoners of conscience being captured one after another burned my flesh. Now I too am a shackled prisoner. Tomorrow my heart will be with you,” he wrote.

Khabeishvili added that he would “gladly risk his freedom again” in the struggle and expressed confidence that “victory is inevitable.”

“I am sure of the unconditional victory of the Georgian people. We will meet soon,” the letter concluded.