The fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, described the court ruling against one of the leaders of “Droa,” Elene Khoshtaria, as “a shocking attack” on democracy and fundamental rights in the country.

As Zurabishvili wrote on platform X, this is how “the regime understands freedom of expression.”

“Political repression in Georgia: Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the political party ‘Droa,’ who has been in pre-trial detention for six months, has now been sentenced to 18 months in prison - for simply writing on a banner.

This is how the regime understands freedom of expression. This verdict is yet another shocking attack on democracy and fundamental rights in Georgia,” Zurabishvili wrote.

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.