“We are not political prisoners who can be treated as bargaining units, for someone to make deals against our will. We are fighting for the country’s freedom. If that were not the case, no one would be able to force us into disobedience,” wrote Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the party Droa, in a letter sent from Rustavi Women’s Prison.

According to her, there will be no trading in prisoners.

“There will be absolutely no bargaining with prisoners! As a politician and also as a political prisoner, I state with full responsibility that there will be no hostage trading and no escape for the Russian regime of ‘Georgian Dream’ through such means.

As long as we are fighting, no one will negotiate with Bidzina on the conditions he has invented.

There are only two conditions: new, fair elections and, at the same time, the unconditional release of prisoners. The people have long been fighting to ensure that no one negotiates with Bidzina or gives him room to maneuver. Our international partners are standing precisely alongside the people.

We are not bargaining chips that someone can trade against our will—we are fighting for the country’s freedom. If that were not so, no one could force us into disobedience.

This is not the time for bargaining or escape, but for attack and struggle! The use of chemical weapons is the key issue, and no Belarusian example is relevant to us. To the end!” the statement by Elene Khoshtaria reads.