“The ‘Georgian Dream’ has a revenge-driven attitude toward Elene Khoshtaria,” said Levan Bezhashvili, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, in an interview with the PalitraNews program “Daily Newsroom,” commenting on the imprisoned politician’s health condition.

According to Bezhashvili, it should be in the state’s interest to ensure that Khoshtaria’s health is examined by professional doctors and, if necessary, that she is placed in a medical facility.

“We see the attitude of ‘Georgian Dream’ toward Elene Khoshtaria, and this attitude is especially vindictive because Elene Khoshtaria has always been distinguished by her tough and uncompromising fight against the Russian regime.

The public remembers the unfair smear campaigns, attempts to arrest her, and ultimately we know what she was arrested for — damaging an election poster, while during the past 14 years we have seen numerous cases of violence during election campaigns: the burning of the ‘United National Movement’ office, shootings, stone-throwing, various forms of violence, and so on. Who was arrested for those crimes?

The sentencing of Elene Khoshtaria to punishment for damaging an election poster was one expression of this revenge, and what is happening now is a continuation of that same revenge, because even before her arrest she had serious health problems, and her condition has worsened. Despite the fact that the state should be interested in preventing this from becoming a disputed issue, a special multidisciplinary commission should be created to issue an objective assessment and ensure her transfer to a medical institution,” Bezhashvili said.

Regarding other issues, the opposition politician responded to a question about statements made by Nika Gvaramia of the “Coalition for Change” regarding the October 4 case verdict, which he recently posted on social media. Bezhashvili said Gvaramia’s statement “serves the interests of ‘Georgian Dream.’”

“I would remind Mr. Nika that the organizers and initiators of October 4 are currently unlawfully and unjustly in detention. Almost all of them have been arrested, and their status as political prisoners is recognized by all local and international institutions. Therefore, these manipulations, unclear statements, and vague hints about certain individuals are unacceptable.

With this statement, he has insulted hundreds of thousands of people who protested regardless of political affiliation. Such statements again serve the interests of ‘Georgian Dream,’ and he himself should answer why this is the case,” Bezhashvili said.

Regarding internal developments in the United National Movement and the arrival of new figures such as Nanuka Zhorzholiani, Bezhashvili said there is no basis for jealousy and that her involvement would benefit the party.

“The United National Movement has been under severe political repression for 14 years, including financial pressure and internal divisions. Despite this, they have not managed to destroy or eliminate the party.

Today, after 14 years, many of those who tried to erase it from the political landscape are themselves in prison on corruption charges, while the UNM continues to fight against the Russian regime.

It is natural that people with different political views demand more from the UNM, and this is why a new wave of renewal is needed. The inclusion of Nanuka Zhorzholiani will bring additional renewal resources to the party.

I am glad that analysts, experts, and media often talk about the UNM — it shows it remains a key political force in Georgia.

There is no reason for jealousy among party members. Nanuka Zhorzholiani has always had sympathy toward Mikheil Saakashvili and has both criticized and supported the UNM at different times. She understands today’s opposition landscape and will contribute positively with her experience, connections, and leadership qualities.

Over 14 years, the UNM has undergone several waves of renewal, including figures such as Nika Melia, Ani Tsitlidze, Levan Khabeishvili, Lasha Parulava, and Irakli Phavlenishvili. Some left, some stayed — renewal is a continuous process, and there are now only a few ‘old UNM members’ left.

Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s chairmanship is not yet decided. Internal procedures, elections, and candidate registrations still need to take place. Several candidates, including Tina Bokuchava, Ani Tsitlidze, and Temur Grigalashvili, have expressed or may express interest.

The United National Movement is the only party in Georgia that elects its chairperson through direct elections. These processes will continue over the next two months, and the UNM will remain active in Georgian politics,” Bezhashvili said.