Georgian opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria ends hunger strike

Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the opposition Droa party, on Monday ended her hunger strike. Her decision came after eight opposition parties announced their refusal to participate in the upcoming local elections.

Gedevan Popkhadze, who was also on a hunger strike alongside Khoshtaria, has similarly ceased his protest.

“We, the pro-Western political parties and groups of Georgia, whose goal is to completely dismantle [Bidzina] Ivanishvili’s Russian regime, protect Georgia’s independence and sovereignty, establish European-style democratic governance, create a safe environment and the opportunity for a dignified life for our citizens, and join our country in the European Union and NATO, jointly declare:

1. We refuse to participate in the so-called local self-Government elections, because we believe that in the current reality, participation in this process will not serve the interests of our citizens, and will only create a facade of legitimacy for the illegal Russian regime;
2. We realize the need for joint action and declare that we will do everything possible to accelerate the end of the undemocratic, oligarchic system with our principled, uncompromising struggle and work.

We believe that the path to victory lies in complete non-cooperation with the regime. We continue our common national resistance together with the Georgian citizens until the end," the statement reads”, Khoshtaria said.

The statement was signed by the following domestic parties: Freedom Square; European Georgia; United National Movement; Strategy Agmashenebeli; Akhali; Girchi-More Freedom; Droa, Federalists.