UNM Chair accuses State Security Service of political targeting following party member’s arrest

The Chair of Georgia’s largest opposition party, United National Movement (UNM), Tina Bokuchava, has accused the State Security Service (SSS) of political persecution following the arrest of UNM Political Council member Lasha Tsanava. Speaking publicly on the matter, Bokuchava linked the SSS’s actions to the party’s rising popularity and what she described as its “principled and uncompromising efforts” both domestically and internationally.

"The SSS's heightened activity is clearly connected to our growing ratings, especially over the past month, driven by our consistent, principled, and fearless actions," Bokuchava said. She referenced a recent open letter by imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who claimed to have credible information that Security Service was preparing provocations against UNM. Bokuchava emphasized that the UNM remains a prime target of Ivanishvili’s regime and vowed not to allow infiltration of the party by state agents.

“Ivanishvili’s SSS agents should remember that it was the UNM that led the most peaceful breakthrough in Georgia’s modern history through a people’s revolution,” she stated. Bokuchava also stressed the importance of peaceful protest, political unity, and international pressure, including individual sanctions against regime figures, as key components in the struggle for democratic change and the release of political prisoners.

Bokuchava’s remarks came same day after the SSS arrested UNM's Lasha Tsanava on charges of fraud. According to the Anti-Corruption Agency, Tsanava allegedly deceived a foreign national by promising to secure a one-year residence permit in exchange for $5,600 USD. The investigation claims Tsanava received $2,650 of that amount through fraudulent means.

Authorities say they have obtained audio and video evidence confirming the illegal activity and are continuing the investigation under Article 19-180, Part 2, Subparagraph “b” of the Georgian Criminal Code. If convicted, Tsanava faces between four and seven years in prison.

UNM has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign by the ruling Georgian Dream party, led from behind the scenes by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, to discredit and marginalize its main political opponent ahead of upcoming elections.

Bokuchava reiterated her party’s commitment to democratic resistance, peaceful protest, and international engagement, declaring: “I believe more than ever that in the end, we will win. Freedom for Misha, freedom for all political prisoners. God bless Georgia.”