Salome Zurabishvili: A country that expels Temur Katamadze at night, secretly, and without notifying his defenders, has completely distanced itself from the Constitution and state frameworks, and has moved into a different category altogether

This country has completely distanced itself from the Constitution and state frameworks and has moved into a different category – this is how Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, responded to the departure of activist Temur Katamadze from the country.

She shared her reaction on social media.

"A country that abducts its own citizen in another state, disregarding all legal procedures (extradition), that expels Temur Katamadze at night, secretly, and without informing his defenders… This country has completely departed from the Constitution and state frameworks and has moved into a different category. What we should call it – that remains an open question!" – Zurabishvili wrote.

For context: activist Temur Katamadze was initially detained by police in Batumi under administrative procedures, but after being released, he was arrested again. During his second detention, the police claimed he lacked legal residency in Georgia. According to Katamadze’s wife, the detained activist was transferred to Turkey.