The detention of Gia Baramidze is an order from Russia - a man who fought with a weapon in his hands for Georgia’s territorial integrity has been detained solely because they are carrying out Russia’s orders, Ana Tsitlidze, a member of the United National Movement, said.

According to her, the court will also carry out the order given by Bidzina Ivanishvili.

“Several years ago, the Russians sentenced Gia Baramidze to many years in prison in Russia, and now the ‘Russian Georgians’ have done exactly the same thing. A man who fought with a weapon in his hands for Georgia’s territorial integrity, who devoted his entire life to fighting for this country’s independence and freedom, and who fought against Russia in Ukraine, has been detained solely because they are carrying out Russia’s orders.

“It does not matter at all what decision the court makes today regarding the pre-trial measure. We understand very well that there is no court at all, and the court will carry out whatever order Bidzina Ivanishvili gives,” Tsitlidze said.

For reference, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, Giorgi Baramidze, was detained on charges of treason against the homeland, specifically sabotage. The case concerns a statement Baramidze made about the war in Abkhazia. The charge carries a sentence of up to four years in prison.