Arrested UNM leader: public ready for change, denounces charges as politically motivated

Levan Khabeishvili, chair of the Political Council of Georgia’s United National Movement (UNM), has rejected claims that the public sees no political alternative, saying Georgians are ready for change and accusing the authorities of using the justice system against him for political purposes.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Khabeishvili said it was misleading to suggest that society is unable to identify alternatives to the current government. 

“When you say on air that people supposedly do not see an alternative - do you really think the public is incapable of understanding what is happening?” he said. “It is not that there is no alternative. There are talented, patriotic people in this country, but they are deliberately ignored on television.”

Khabeishvili argued that fear has taken hold of the political environment, pushing public discourse toward rhetoric rather than concrete solutions. He said the public is increasingly unwilling to accept what he described as a “dead-end” situation and is prepared for political change.

Commenting on his legal case, Khabeishvili said the charges brought against him are groundless and politically motivated. He claimed that the prosecution is pursuing the case deliberately and that, unlike others in similar situations, he has been denied bail.

“Everyone else can be released on bail - except Khabeishvili,” he said. “I was left in detention, while my bank accounts were frozen and a fine was imposed. Even basic communication has been restricted.”

According to Khabeishvili, the list of prosecution witnesses was compiled in a selective and biased manner, alleging that individuals who were involved in violence against him were later presented as witnesses against him. He expressed confidence that the court is aware the case could be concluded within a few hours if examined impartially.

Khabeishvili also warned against further political radicalization, stressing that participation in protests should not be equated with actions against the state. “People are ready to fight for a better future - not only for their own children, but for everyone’s,” he said.