Gia Volski: Elene Khoshtaria is not in prison because of a marker inscription; she is imprisoned for attempting to develop a scheme called revolution - unfortunately, reality shows that the state must defend itself
According to the First Vice-Speaker of Parliament, Elene Khoshtaria is not jailed for damaging a banner with a marker, but for attempting to advance what he described as a revolutionary scenario.
“Of course, it is very unfortunate when a mother of four is involved in revolutionary processes and not only refuses to admit guilt, but claims she acted correctly and would do even more if given the chance. She even demonstrated pyrotechnics stored in her office, stating that this was her ‘weapon’ and that she would use it again against the stability our country maintains in this very difficult period.
Her supporters, as expected, have labeled this the ‘marker case,’ just as they once called Saakashvili’s cases the ‘jacket case.’ But I repeat: she is not in prison because of a marker inscription. Everyone knows this. She is imprisoned for attempting to develop a scheme known as revolution - for organizing processes aimed at overthrowing the government through revolutionary means.
This is about extremism, not the use of a marker, although damaging a banner is also an offense, but a much lesser one compared to what she was doing. It is unfortunate that she is on trial, but reality shows that the state must defend itself, especially given the current global situation and the need to counter policies that could drag Georgia into major conflicts.
The goal of Elene Khoshtaria and those who share her views is to bring a government to power through revolution - a government that would be dependent on international political conjuncture and supported by certain groups of countries. This is the formula they follow, and this is where her crime lies. She believed the revolutionary path was correct and worked toward it, including organizing physical actions. That is why she is imprisoned - for extremism, not for using a marker,” Volski said.
For context, Elene Khoshtaria was found guilty of damaging Kaha Kaladze’s election banner. The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court judge Giorgi Arevadze, who sentenced her to 1 year and 6 months in prison.
