“We are witnessing that Tornike Rizhvadze, who had remained silent, has now decided to oppress citizens in Batumi. Accountability will also fall on Adjara's so-called ‘Khareba’ – Beselia and Dgebuadze, who terrorize not only Batumi's citizens but also law enforcement officers,” said Irakli Kupradze, one of the leaders of the coalition Strong Georgia, during a briefing in Batumi.

According to him, among those detained in Batumi are members of their coalition – Vazha Darchia and Luka Natsvlishvili.

The opposition politician stated that the only way out of the crisis is new elections and the immediate release of political prisoners.

“This struggle and resistance will undoubtedly yield results,” he emphasized.

“The Russian regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili has entered a severe stage of power seizure, involving the mutilation, suppression, and unlawful detention of Georgian citizens. Over the past few days, numerous civic activists, politicians, ordinary citizens, and women have been unlawfully and violently detained in Batumi. Two significant members and local leaders of our coalition are currently in detention – Vazha Darchia, a member of the Batumi City Council, and Luka Natsvlishvili, a young politician and leader of protests against the ‘Russian law.’ We demand their immediate release.

Simultaneously, we are working with our partners to ensure that sanctions become a crucial factor that will force the violent government to retreat. Tornike Rizhvadze, who for months could not even dare to make ‘Georgian Dream’ statements, will have to take responsibility. Beselia and Dgebuadze, who have terrorized not only Batumi's citizens but also law enforcement officers in Batumi under their leadership, will also be held accountable.

Currently, the fact is that law enforcement agencies in Adjara are controlled by Tornike Rizhvadze's father, Davit Rizhvadze,” Kupradze concluded.