Former US ambassador condemns arrest and alleged mistreatment of opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria

Former US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged mistreatment of opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria, calling the incident “absolutely disgusting and inhumane.” In a post on X, Kelly directly addressed the ruling Georgian Dream party, warning:

“We may seem distracted, but we see you, GeorgianDream. Release her now or face the consequences.”

Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, was detained on March 28 during a protest. In a letter from detention, she described being subjected to violence and humiliating treatment by police officers.

“They tied my hands behind my back, wrestled me to the ground, and completely stripped me naked,” Khoshtaria wrote.

Absolutely disgusting and inhumane treatment of one of Georgia’s most talented and thoughtful politicians, @Helenkhosh. We may seem distracted, but we see you, @GeorgianDream41. Release her now or face the consequences. @SFRCdems @SenateForeign https://t.co/4Eow8dZeC5

— Ian Kelly (@ikelly731) March 29, 2025