UNM’s Bokuchava urges unity, vows continued fight as prosecutors target opposition figures

The chair of the United National Movement, Tina Bokuchava, on Thursday called for nationwide unity and pledged her party would spare no effort in the political struggle against the ruling regime, saying protests would continue while political prisoners remained and condemning recent criminal cases launched against senior opposition figures.

At a press briefing, Bokuchava said the only thing the Government feared was opposition unity and reiterated the UNM’s commitment to both domestic and international political and legal efforts to challenge the administration. She accused the Government of moving toward dictatorship and of using criminal prosecutions to silence dissent.

“We must fight until it is not too late, because ultimately victory will be ours. For that, unity is essential, and the United National Movement will spare no effort to achieve it,” Bokuchava said, urging supporters to persist in calls for free and fair elections and the release of political detainees.

Bokuchava criticised recent Government moves as an attempt to ban free political activity and suppress independent institutions, warning that continued repression risks eroding universities, independent media and civil society. She also framed recent prosecutions as politically motivated measures intended to prevent broad opposition coordination.

The statement comes as criminal proceedings have been opened against several high-profile opposition figures, including Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze - developments Bokuchava said only strengthen her party’s resolve to pursue political and legal remedies at home and abroad.