“I am not lacking in gratitude, but this is a treacherous, extremely dirty act,” said Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” to journalists after leaving the penitentiary facility a short while ago.

As he noted, the decision to grant a pardon was completely unexpected for him.

“First and foremost, I want to thank everyone - the people, acquaintances, and especially strangers, who have been contacting and encouraging us during this time. I want to thank the media for their support. And I want to tell you that today’s decision was absolutely unexpected. You know, we consciously took this step. Badri Japaridze and I do not agree with the current situation in the country. This is an illegitimate parliament, a usurped parliament, and a usurped presidential seat. Despite the fact that he released us today with a pardon, it is clear that I am not lacking in gratitude, but this is a treacherous, extremely dirty act when our comrades-in-arms are serving sentences under the same article, for the same so-called ‘crime,’” Mamuka Khazaradze stated.