I fully share Elene Khoshtaria’s position – it should not be necessary to put a human life on the line for all democratic forces to realize that any form of compromise with the regime is disastrous, wrote Tina Bokuchava, chairperson of the United National Movement, on social media.

In a statement published on Facebook, Tina Bokuchava noted that she never questioned Elene Khoshtaria’s decision to begin a hunger strike, because “it was absolutely clear that her goal was to achieve unity regarding the so-called special operation disguised as local elections.”

“I was returning to Georgia from the debate at PACE demanding the release of political prisoners, when I learned about Elene Khoshtaria’s decision to start a hunger strike.

I never questioned for a moment why – because it was absolutely clear that her goal was to achieve unity regarding the so-called special operation disguised as local elections, which she believes entering into would be fatal.

This is a position I fully share. It should not be necessary to put a human life on the line for all democratic forces to realize that any compromise with the regime in any form is disastrous. But I thank her for this self-sacrifice.

On behalf of the United National Movement, I once again reaffirm that there is no circumstance that will change our position on not cooperating with the regime.

Local self-government elections can only be held together with parliamentary elections, under conditions that ensure fair rules of the game.

Solidarity with Elene! Freedom to the regime’s prisoners!” wrote Tina Bokuchava.