“At this moment, the Russian oligarch is winning over the people. The fight is lost, but not the war,” said Levan Khabeishvili, Chairman of the Political Council of the United National Movement, speaking at today’s court hearing.

Khabeishvili stated that despite claims of unity within the opposition, the reality is stagnation and fear, and that the laws adopted by the authorities have achieved their goal.

“I always tell the truth, even if people don’t like it. If some don’t have the courage to say it outside, I will say it from prison: I bow my head to the 500-1,000 people who protest every day. Beyond them, there is no resistance or protest in Georgia today. The laws have worked. People are scared.”

According to him, “1,000 people cannot bring spring,” and the burden of resistance cannot rest on such a small group.

Khabeishvili argued that the opposition faces a hard reality in an authoritarian system, where strong opposition structures do not exist:

“Look at Belarus, Venezuela, Russia - do you see a strong opposition there? I am in prison for speaking. This is the reality we have, whether we like it or not.”

He outlined what he sees as two possible paths: active confrontation to free political prisoners, or dialogue and negotiation with the authorities, however difficult that may be.

“If you say you won’t fight and you won’t talk either, then nothing will happen by itself. If the struggle isn’t working, then talk - maybe we can get out of this situation, at least free the hostages.”

Khabeishvili stressed that political prisoners should not be burdened with responsibility and called on opposition leaders to take accountability themselves.

“I would take all the blame on myself if I were outside. Do not shift this onto the families of prisoners. Take responsibility.”

He also criticized the lack of a clear political agenda, saying the government dictates topics while the opposition reacts instead of setting its own priorities.

At the end of his speech, Khabeishvili addressed his children present in the courtroom:

“Hold your heads high. Your father is not a criminal. History will say that I was arrested for my words. I ask only one thing from justice - speed. Tell me quickly whether I am guilty or not, so I can plan my children’s lives.”

He apologized to his children for being absent and reaffirmed that he does not seek positions or personal benefit, only honesty and responsibility in confronting the current reality.