UNM’s Nikolashvili: we intend to peacefully overthrow Ivanishvili’s Russian regime on October 4

Tatia Nikolashvili, Deputy Chair of the Political Council of the opposition United National Movement, on Sunday said the opposition planned to stage a “peaceful revolution” on October 4, aimed at removing what she described as ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “Russian regime".

“Yesterday, Levan Khabeishvili [Chair of UNM’s Political Council] was arrested by the gendarmerie. We must understand that the charges brought against him are fabricated. There is no evidence, no witnesses, except for the three Special Tasks Department’s officers who claim Khabeishvili offered them $200,000. In reality, he promised that any officer who refuses to break the law and use violence against peaceful citizens will be rewarded with $200,000,” Nikolashvili said.

She said Khabeishvili’s detention was politically motivated, pointing out the judge who sentenced him to pre-trial detention is married to a State Security Service employee.

“Khabeishvili has fought against Russian propaganda for 13 years. Now he is accused of exactly what he has always resisted. Yes, he said - and we repeat - that on October 4 we will peacefully topple Ivanishvili’s Russian regime. We will carry out a peaceful revolution. His message to the people is clear: the sacrifice he has made must be taken to the end. On October 4, at 16:00, we must all gather on Rustaveli Avenue with Georgian flags held high to celebrate our victory together,” she stated.

Nikolashvili reiterated that no party member would abandon their comrades, stressing that Khabeishvili would continue his political struggle “even from behind prison walls”.