Parliament Speaker accuses opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria of “inspiring hatred, violence, unrest” amid Russian money transfer controversy

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday accused Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, of inspiring hatred, violence, and unrest in Georgia, claiming that her actions undermine the peaceful development of Georgian society.

The accusation follows reports of another significant financial transfer from Russia to Khoshtaria's family.

“Through Khoshtaria's actions, hatred, violence, and disorder are being inspired in Georgia. She acts exactly as one would expect from an agent of influence. She takes money in one pocket, takes money in another, all with the aim of harming the Georgian people. We've been observing this for quite some time. It's hard to even talk about morality here, because this person clearly opposes everything related to the peaceful progress of society”, the Parliament Speaker said.

Imedi TV on Thursday reported that Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, had received a significant increase in financial support from Russia.

As reported, her family received up to $250,000 in transfers from Russian sources in April alone.

In 2022, Khoshtaria confirmed transfers of funds from Russia to the account of her family member, and said the money involved royalties from a Russian theatre as her father was the successor of Soliko Virsaladze, a famed Georgian scenographer who produced set and costume designs in theatres, including venues based in Russia.