UNM opposition condemns arrest of leader Kuprava as ‘political repression’

The United National Movement (UNM) opposition on Wednesday denounced the arrest of its member, Tbilisi City Assembly representative Zviad Kuprava for “making calls to overthrow the government on October 4”, calling it part of a wider campaign of political persecution.

In a statement following the arrest earlier during the day, the party accused what it described as the “Russian-backed criminal regime” of intensifying repression ahead of the 4 October local elections and the planned protest. 

“They have erased all red lines. From the very beginning they refused to recognise freedom of speech and expression, restricted constitutional rights, and are now jailing citizens for political statements,” the UNM said.

The party urged supporters to avoid “government-organised provocations” in the run-up to planned demonstrations on central Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.

“On 4 October, the Georgian people will deliver their message peacefully, lawfully and constitutionally to the Russian puppet government,” the statement added, pledging that all “political prisoners” detained during pro-European rallies would be released once the opposition returned to power.