Opposition leader accuses Ivanishvili of state capture

Salome Samadashvili, a senior member of the Strong Georgia opposition coalition, on Thursday accused Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, of “hijacking state institutions and maintaining ties with criminal networks.”

Samadashvili's remarks came in response to the ongoing investigation involving Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former head of Georgia’s Co-Investment Fund and a central figure in the so-called Bitcoin case involving Ivanishvili.

"The most important conclusion that everyone should draw in the Bachiashvili case is that this man [Ivanishvili], when necessary, will be ruthless towards everyone," said Samadashvili.

She added that there was "nothing new" in the revelations, alleging that Ivanishvili's financial dealings have long raised suspicions.

"This man has a very dirty past. In addition to his ties to Russia, he has serious connections with the criminal world. It is a pity that in 2012, so many voters entrusted their fate to such a person. After that, he took over the state and is using all institutions," she said.