Gedevan Popkhadze, a leader of the Coalition for Change party, is continuing his hunger strike alongside several activists in front of Parliament.
Speaking to InterpressNews, Popkhadze emphasized that the release of political prisoners and the organization of new, fair elections are non-negotiable. He criticized Bidzina Ivanishvili for “putting the country in his pocket” and treating the population as slaves, warning that “slave revolts end very badly.”
Popkhadze argued that the ruling Georgian Dream party seeks to maintain permanent power, suppressing competitive opposition and undermining the foundation of political development. He described recent local elections as non-competitive and illegal, noting that the current political climate—with hundreds of political prisoners and a Parliament dominated by a single party—threatens the country’s future.
“Since they are going this way, I think the main way out today is the appointment of new and fair elections. Political prisoners and fair elections are the two issues that have no alternative,” he said. Popkhadze added that a hunger strike is a traditional form of protest to signal the seriousness of demands and the willingness to sacrifice for them.
Popkhadze began his hunger strike yesterday, joined by opposition leader Darejan Tskhvitaria and several other activists. Currently, four people are participating, demanding the release of political prisoners and new parliamentary elections.
Image: IPN
