Ruling party MP dismisses political motives in attack on opposition leader, journalist

A ruling Georgian Dream MP has downplayed political motives in the violent incidents involving opposition leader Giorgi Gakharia and journalist Zviad Koridze at the Sheraton Hotel in Batumi, western Georgia, on Tuesday.

MP Lado Bozhadze addressed the attacks, describing them as a “conflict” rather than a “politically driven vendetta”.

“This is not a political vendetta – this is a conflict that happened in a hotel. Violence is unacceptable and violence breeds violence”, Bozhadze claimed.

The incident involving Gakharia, the leader of the Gakharia – For Georgia party and former Prime Minister under the GD Government, left him with a fractured nasal bone and a concussion. He was taken to a hospital for treatment but has since been discharged. The attack has raised concerns about rising tensions in Georgia’s political landscape.
In a separate confrontation at the same location, Koridze, a journalist and non-governmental sector representative, alleged that he was confronted by Dimitri Samkharadze, a Georgian Dream member, and his associates.

Bozhadze reiterated the ruling party’s stance “against violence”, urging “all sides to remain calm” while an investigation is conducted.