Opposition Suspends Talks with Govt' after Ugulava's Detention
"The Ruling Party Georgian Dream has removed the space for agreements and negotiations in the country. Therefore, the opposition can make the only decision - any negotiations will be suspended from the moment of Ugulava's detention," David Bakradze, the leader of European Georgia, told reporters when commenting on the arrest of one of the opposition leaders and ex-mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava.
He said the opposition had compromise options and offers for the ruling team regarding the electoral system.
“We even thought about reaching the agreement, however, it's all over now. Ugulava's verdict, actually, is the verdict of the Georgian Dream, and they will have to pay for it both inside and outside the country.
"Talks are over, we will meet today to discuss concrete steps and future action plans. It will be a nonviolent battle. As you can see, Gigi is going to prison peacefully, in a dignified manner,” Bakradze said.
In his words, the political decision of Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Georgian Dream to arrest former Tbilisi mayor in any way possible has been clear in recent months.
He added that the authorities have crossed the edge yesterday by arresting Ugulava, after which the processes can never be reversed.
"Therefore, the united opposition decided to suspend all negotiations with the government," Bakradze concluded.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court found Ugulava guilty of embezzling funds, in particular, GEL 48 million and sentenced him to three years in prison.
The Court satisfied the prosecution's motion, according to which, he embezzled funds from the Tbilisi Development Fund, a non-commercial legal entity founded by the City Hall, the purpose of which is to preserve the historic look of the City and promote the growth of real estate value.
"If prison is a path to freedom, I am ready to go to prison for the third time," the leader of the European Georgia party answered the Supreme Court's decision regarding his imprisonment.
He added that the verdict against him was issued not by the Supreme Court but by personally Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of the ruling party Georgian Dream.
He claimed out the unity of the opposition scares Bidzina Ivanishvili, which is the reason behind the decision.
By Ana Dumbadze
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