Friday, December 5, 2025

Supporters demand release of UNM leader Khabeishvili

TBILISI, December 4 – Supporters of jailed opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili rallied outside Georgia’s State Security Service in Tbilisi on Thursday, accusing the authorities of holding him behind bars because of his political comments. Some were activists from the United National Movement (UNM), others, family members and friends. They were gathered to protest what they … Read more

Restrictions on jailed opposition figure ignite protest in Tbilisi

TBILISI, November 20 – Dozens of supporters of Levan Khabeishvili, the jailed chairman of the United National Movement’s political council, gathered outside Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office on Thursday, demanding that restrictions on his communication with family members be lifted. Khabeishvili, who is being held in pre-trial detention, currently faces limits on visitation, phone calls and … Read more

Opposition figure Khabeishvili calls arrest political persecution

TBILISI, September 24 – Lawyers for Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the political council of Georgia’s opposition United National Movement (UNM), are doubling down on claims that his arrest is politically motivated. Khabeishvili was detained earlier this month by Georgia’s State Security Service and charged with publicly promising money to officials in exchange for political support. … Read more

Opposition figure from prison: ‘Ivanishvili fears the people’

TBILISI, September 15 – A jailed leader of Georgia’s largest opposition party has accused the country’s most powerful political figures of locking him up to silence dissent, calling his arrest proof that the government fears its own people. Levan Khabeishvili, a senior figure in the United National Movement (UNM), made the comments in a handwritten … Read more

Georgia opposition’s dress rehearsal for ‘revolution’ ends peacefully

TBILISI, September 14 – Georgia’s opposition parties gathered in Tbilisi on September 13 for a rally that passed peacefully, drawing between several hundred and up to 3,000 people, according to different estimates. The demonstration, which started at Tbilisi State University and ended in front of parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, was joined by ex-President Salome Zurabishvili, … Read more

Georgia opposition leader charged with bribery and calls to overthrow government

TBILISI, September 13 – Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the political council of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), has been formally charged in Georgia with promising bribes to officials and publicly calling for the overthrow of state authority. His arrest has triggered sharp debate, with the opposition accusing the government of fear mongering ahead of … Read more

High-profile arrests shake Georgia’s opposition

TBILISI, September 12 – Georgia’s State Security Service carried out dramatic arrests in the Black Sea city of Batumi, detaining the leader of the opposition National Movement (UNM), Levan Khabeishvili, along with party member Murtaz Zodelava. Former defense minister Juansher Burchuladze, a close ally of ex-prime minister Irakli Garibashvili, was also taken into custody. The … Read more

Georgia’s opposition vows “peaceful revolution” as ruling party warns of crackdown

TBILISI, August 28 – The opposition in Georgia is preparing what it calls a “peaceful revolution” on October 4. The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) warns that an attempt to overthrow the government will be treated as a crime. Activists from the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement, together with Levan Khabeishvili from the United National Movement (UNM), have … Read more

Opposition planning ‘peaceful revolution’ on election day in Georgia

TBILISI, August 13 – In Georgia, the opposition United National Movement (UNM), currently boycotting parliament, is openly discussing a “peaceful revolution” to change power on October 4. Party leader Levan Khabeishvili even launched a Facebook poll asking supporters if they would attend a planned rally. Around 4,700 people responded, with 92% saying yes. UNM chair … Read more

Leading opposition figure hints at revolution by offering cash to security forces for standing down in case of unrest

TBILISI, DFWatch–A opposition politician in Georgia has promised large cash rewards to law enforcement officers who refuse to use force against protesters in case there is unrest in connection with the October 4 local elections. Levan Khabeishvili, former chairman of the United National Movement (UNM), called on security forces to “put down their weapons” and … Read more