Saakashvili: pointing fingers after October 4 only helps Ivanishvili

Georgia’s convicted former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, has criticized divisions among the opposition following the October 4 protest events, saying that mutual accusations only made things easier for the ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.

In a post on social media on Friday, Saakashvili condemned the arrest of Dr. Giorgi Chakhunashvili, calling him “a noble man, a distinguished doctor, and a devoted father.”

“The maniacs have arrested Giorgi Chakhunashvili - a renowned doctor and an honorable citizen. They are arresting intellectuals, athletes, and all kinds of people. There was a time when they only arrested the UNM members; now they arrest everyone,” Saakashvili wrote.

He said the government now targeted women, elderly people, and even family members of political opponents, claiming that no one is safe from persecution.

“There was a time when being a [Georgian Dream supporter] meant immunity; now it’s quite the opposite,” Saakashvili added.

The former president also criticized opposition-aligned media for ignoring his statements, warning that the government could soon shut them down completely.

“Unfortunately, regime-controlled pressure will soon take them off the air, and no one will be left to defend them. Don’t you still see that strength lies in unity and solidarity?” Saakashvili concluded.