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
With local elections approaching in Georgia, veteran politician and political scientist Vazha Beridze says the country is heading into a vote unlike any since independence. In an interview with Interpressnews, the former speaker of parliament and ex-mayor of Borjomi argues that both government and opposition share blame for a deeply polarized climate, while insisting the … Read more
TBILISI, September 4 – Opera singer Paata Burchuladze is calling for what he describes as a “national assembly” on October 4. The opera singer-turned-political activist who now leads the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement says two million invitations have already been printed and will be handed out across the country. Each invitation will double as a mandate … Read more
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
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
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