UNM opposition accuses gov’t, “oligarch Ivanishvili” of attacking its member in Batumi

The United National Movement – the largest opposition group in the country in office between 2004-2012 – on Monday accused the current Georgian Dream authorities and the ruling party founder “pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili” of triggering an attack on its member Giorgi Kirtadze in the western city of Batumi during the day. 

Kirtadze was attacked by a still unidentified individual during a live broadcasting of the opposition-minded Formula channel, with the perpetrator throwing eggs at him and insulting. 

Mtavari TV, another opposition-minded channel, claimed the individual could be a member of a pro-Russian conservative movement, as its office was located nearby. 

Nika Melia, the head of the UNM, said it was “another provocation” by the authorities.  

 

“Kirtadze is a new type of Georgian politician who had defeated the Georgian Dream in the last elections in Batumi. He enjoys a lot of support and there is no aggression towards him in the public”, he said. 

Levan Khabeishvili, a fellow member for the party who is running for the UNM chairmanship, said the incident “backed by Russian oligarch Ivanishvili” had confirmed the government “is against peace in the country”. 

 

He claimed the attack was “intentional and organized”.