"I don’t want to see an opposition politician in prison. Zurab Japaridze can do much more for this country while free, and therefore, of course, we condemn his arrest," said Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of Gakharia – For Georgia, during his appearance on PalitraNews’s Daily Newsroom program.

According to him, the parliamentary investigative commission is being used for disinformation, and political leaders should not leave society "alone and defenseless in Dream’s arena, facing Dream."

"Through this commission, the Georgian Dream government is waging hybrid warfare against Georgian citizens, trying to distract from their crimes through disinformation and stress. Tsulukiani still hasn’t dared to summon the high-ranking officials protected, promoted, and elevated by Dream who committed crimes during the United National Movement’s time.

Giorgi Gakharia’s decision to attend the commission was an individual one. Even within our party, there were differing opinions about his participation. Gakharia told them the truth face-to-face on their turf and protected citizens from disinformation.

When politicians refuse to attend, it’s likely they know the case will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office, and they chose a different path.

I don’t want to see any politician, especially an opposition one, behind bars. Zurab Japaridze can do much more for the country while free, and we will definitely condemn his arrest.

Whether or not to pay bail is an individual decision. We have seen politicians continue their protest even from prison."

"Dream is built on violence and disinformation. So, when you leave Georgian citizens alone and defenseless in Dream’s arena, facing Dream, what’s better – to attend or not? Seeking the truth requires more courage than deciding whether to pay bail or serve a one-year sentence," Sharashidze said.

He also added that Dream has created an informational tool and platform, and political leaders must have the courage to "play their role even on the enemy’s ground."

"Paying bail could even be seen as cooperation with the government. Dream has created an information lever and a platform. And if you’re a political leader, you must have the courage to play your role even on the enemy’s ground, to go and dare to speak the truth.

For our team, consistency is a top priority. We’re not here to evaluate the consistency of other politicians, though we observe both their consistency and inconsistency.

What matters is that we can coordinate around two key goals – early elections and the release of political prisoners. The rest is about strategy and tactics, and we respect their decisions.

Maybe in the short term this benefits Dream, but ultimately, all of this will weaken them."

On U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s remarks:

Sharashidze also responded to the comment made by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio during a hearing in the U.S. Congress regarding Georgia. According to Sharashidze, Georgian Dream’s claim that the U.S. administration has not yet formulated a position on Georgia is incorrect.

"Georgian Dream's members claiming that the U.S. has no stance on Georgia is false. It was clearly stated that they are considering what measures to take against the anti-American government.

When Rubio called Dream an anti-American government, no amount of propaganda can change that. Yes, Georgia has an anti-American government. Dream’s propaganda has crumbled to the extent that Maka Bochorishvili now argues, 'It wasn’t a statement, it was just a reply to a question.'

The U.S. has invested massive resources over the past 30 years to help Georgia become a democratic country. The U.S. will stand with the Georgian people regardless of any shifts in global policy.

Under Gakharia’s premiership, relations between Georgia and the U.S. had reached their highest level. Now, the government hopes the U.S. will push Georgia to the back burner. After the rigged elections, their entire narrative about building ties with the U.S. collapsed."

On PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Albania and EU communication:

Sharashidze also commented on Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Albania and his communication with European leaders, saying that Dream now relies only on gestures and appearances.

"Georgian Dream is relying on handshakes, waves, nods, and brief exchanges. They forget that European leaders are not savages like them.

Dream is trying to present etiquette-level interactions as progress in partnerships. It’s an attempt to inject propaganda into everything.

Who knows why the British PM had his head down? Does anyone really believe he couldn’t look Kobakhidze in the eye? That’s laughable.

Dream has severed ties and left no mechanisms for cooperation, yet European partners are still leaving the door open. British politicians are more ashamed that a country they invested in heavily is now turning away."

On local elections and the possible candidacy of Kakha Kaladze for Tbilisi Mayor:

Finally, Sharashidze spoke about the upcoming municipal elections, stating that under free and fair conditions, none of Dream’s candidates, including Kakha Kaladze, could win.

"Kakha Kaladze is the most prominent anti-European mayor, who is willing to do anything. He holds the record for corruption in City Hall.

I don’t understand what expectations anyone could have from a mayor who has failed to solve even the most basic problems in Tbilisi – let alone the roof of the Varketili metro station.

At a time when public servants who signed pro-European declarations are being fired and left without income, the budget still finds money to pay Dream’s propagandist singers and artists thousands of GEL.

As for Tbilisi City Council Chairman Giorgi Tkemaladze – now appointed Deputy Mayor – he’s merely a notary for Kaladze. He’s never opposed any of Kaladze’s harmful decisions for the city.

Tkemaladze might also run for mayor, but under free election conditions, neither Kaladze, nor Tkemaladze, nor any other Dream leader would win the Tbilisi mayoral race."