Opposition leader accuses Gov’t of ‘punitive operation’ against Saakashvili, UNM

Levan Sanikidze, a leader in Georgia’s largest opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of waging a politically motivated campaign against former President Mikheil Saakashvili and his political legacy.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Sanikidze described the ongoing legal proceedings against Saakashvili over the events of 7 November 2007 anti-government protests as a “punitive operation” and part of a broader attempt by Georgian Dream to “erase the legacy of the 2003 Rose Revolution,” which brought Saakashvili and the UNM to power.

“The main target of the GD is again the UNM and Mikheil Saakashvili,” Sanikidze said. “They have declared a hunt on the party and its history. Their goal is to rewrite the Rose Revolution and dismantle its achievements.”

The case in question relates to the violent dispersal of anti-government protests in 2007, during Saakashvili’s presidency. It has been under investigation for years and has drawn criticism from UNM and its supporters, who claim it is being handled by what they call a “sanctioned court” with political motives.

Sanikidze also expressed concern over developments expected in early August, saying “on August 5, we expect that the Georgian side will be convicted of the 2008 war, and additional cases will be opened against Mikheil Saakashvili in the prosecutor’s office.”