United National Movement opposition denies links to ruling party member death in western Georgia

The opposition United National Movement has denied any involvement in the death of Georgian Dream member Ermile Gigiadze, who died on Wednesday in the Tskaltubo municipality of western Georgia.

Georgian Dream claimed on Thursday that a UNM supporter verbally insulted Gigiadze, leading to his death, but the opposition called the accusations “politically motivated”.

Gigiadze’s death is being investigated under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, which concerns incitement to suicide. The ruling party alleges that during a door-to-door campaign in the village of Geguti, Roland Nutsubidze, whom they identified as an UNM activist, insulted Gigiadze, causing the fatal incident.

Silent footage aired by pro-government channel Imedi shows an alleged argument between Gigiadze and Nutsubidze outside the Georgian Dream office, followed by Gigiadze collapsing.

The UNM Deputy Secretary General, Irakli Pavlenishvili, denied any connection between Nutsubidze and their party, condemning Georgian Dream for “using the tragedy for political purposes”.

Georgian Dream leaders labeled the incident as “fascist politics,” with the ruling party officials accusing the opposition of radicalism. The GD pledged to hold the UNM opposition accountable for “past crimes” if it secures the constitutional majority in the October elections.