Tsotne Ivanishvili: situation of any prisoner, especially young people, is painful for everyone

Tsotne Ivanishvili, son of the ruling Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili, on Sunday said the situation of prisoners, particularly young detainees, is “very painful for everyone”, while commenting on those arrested during protests in Georgia.

Speaking to journalists at the Holy Trinity Cathedral during events marking Family Purity and Respect for Parents Day, Ivanishvili said he empathised with the detainees but stressed that decisions regarding pardons were not within his authority.

“I also feel for these situations. Beyond that, it is not for me to judge. These matters are determined by the relevant institutions and the Government. I feel sorrow regarding these cases. It is not my decision — the relevant structures must address it,” Ivanishvili said in response to a question about the possible pardoning of those detained during protests.

Asked about calls for a new wave of sanctions against the Georgian authorities, Ivanishvili said Georgian society would continue to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“In my opinion, Georgian society already stands firmly in the face of all this and will always defend the sovereignty of the homeland,” he said.