UNM’s Bokuchava: I can’t rule out ending up in prison amid political repression

Tina Bokuchava, head of the opposition United National Movement, on Monday said she could not rule out the possibility of being imprisoned, emphasising that her party had long been a target of political persecution and repression.

“Of course, I cannot and will not exclude the possibility that I too may find myself in prison. The UNM has been a target of political persecution and repression for a very long time,” Bokuchava said.

She described Government actions as unpredictable and signs of a regime nearing its end.

“Our family members have also been targeted: my husband was arrested twice, and I recall instances of abduction and threats to the safety of my three young children. The most difficult moment in my 13 years of political life was speaking about this for the first time. As a mother and as a woman, this challenge was far heavier than anything else, including prison,” she said.

Bokuchava stressed that every party member must be prepared, as the Government had entered a phase of “unpredictable” actions, citing the recent arrests of Elene Khoshtaria and Levan Khabeishvili as examples.

“The regime acts in completely unpredictable ways, arresting and confronting anyone who opposes it. [Ruling party Founder] Bidzina Ivanishvili is particularly fearful of October 4, a date we established through the parties that chose to resist rather than cooperate or play along with his rules. This date represents a significant challenge and danger for him,” she said.