Tina Bokuchava, Chairperson of the United National Movement, speaking at the Council of Europe Assembly, stated:

"I urge you, as lawmakers, to call on your governments to impose sanctions on Ivanishvili and representatives of his regime, because this is the only way to apply external pressure."

Bokuchava noted that the Georgian government is arresting opposition politicians and using various tools to intimidate and silence her as an opposition voice:

"The last time I was here, I was with a delegation of Georgia’s democratic forces, including Zurab Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze — today, both of them are behind bars. Just a few days ago, they were sentenced to prison simply for refusing to appear before a de facto, illegitimate parliamentary commission whose sole purpose is the total destruction of the democratic opposition. This week, two more political leaders — Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze — were arrested. A few days ago, another leader, Nika Gvaramia, was imprisoned.

The founder of my party and former president Mikheil Saakashvili has been in prison for over three years. I’m not even sure that I’ll be free by the next session and able to meet you again. We have female political prisoners — a journalist, a teacher, and other female activists. 'Georgian Dream' is using different tools to intimidate and silence me as an opposition voice. Two weeks ago, my husband was violently kidnapped for ten hours and threatened with harm to our children.

We have long spoken about the ‘Belarusization’ of Georgia — and this is exactly what we are witnessing today. Nearly every political leader is behind bars. We see draconian laws targeting free media and civil society. We see mass repression and torture.

We understand that this Assembly cannot impose personal sanctions, but the European Union can — although its decision is being blocked by two member states on this issue. However, EU leaders understand that the time to act is now, and their decisions should not be sabotaged by one or two members trying to protect a Russian puppet regime in Georgia.

That is why we hope a way will be found to overcome this veto and impose sanctions. And again, I call on you, as lawmakers, to call on your governments to impose sanctions on Ivanishvili and members of his regime, because this is the only way to exert external pressure.

With our principled positions, statements, engagement, and firm support for political prisoners and protesters, we must show this regime that its propaganda — claiming Europe and the United States have forgotten Georgia and are turning a blind eye to the rise of authoritarianism — is false," Bokuchava declared.