They will not break us. This disgraceful behavior by Bidzina Ivanishvili will end with his removal from power by the Georgian people, – said Badri Japaridze, one of the leaders of Lelo – Strong Georgia, following the court's verdict against him.

When asked whether he expects an adequate response from the West, Japaridze responded: "I am confident there will be. Those who are carrying out Bidzina Ivanishvili's orders will pay the appropriate price."

"All of this is intended to make us give up, to instill despair in people. But I want to say to everyone: on the contrary, this should give us additional strength. They will not break us. No prison sentence, no disgraceful decision, no punitive measure will shake our firm resolve to fight for our country’s freedom and its European future. Everyone must understand – this is not a time for despair. On the contrary, this is a time for unity, a time for mobilization, and a time for everyone to be filled with hope – because this country will undoubtedly have a bright future, and the Georgian people will prevail," – Japaridze declared.

For context, the leader of Lelo – Strong Georgia, Badri Japaridze, was found guilty by the court for failing to comply with the request of the Parliament’s temporary investigative commission. Judge Zviad Sharadze sentenced him to eight months in prison and barred him from holding public office for two years.