UNM’s Sanikidze: ‘Ivanishvili wants violence - we want peace, so we’ll gather on Rustaveli’

Levan Sanikidze, one of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement, on Saturday accused ruling party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili of seeking violence and urged supporters to gather on Rustaveli Avenue to defend “peace and freedom” and “restore the Georgian state”.

“Violence is what Ivanishvili wants; we want peace and freedom in this country. That is why today we are gathering on Rustaveli Avenue to reclaim the Georgian state,” Sanikidze said.

He described Ivanishvili as “frightened” and criticised the ruling circle’s public statements, saying they did not matter compared with the will of the Georgian people. Sanikidze also referenced the recent attack on party member Igor Narmania, condemning what he called a “shameful violent act” by mobilised groups.

“We saw yesterday a brutal attack on Narmania - a disgraceful act of violence by mobilised thugs. This country deserves peace and freedom, not violence,” he said, calling on supporters to join the Rustaveli gathering.