Georgia's ruling party official on opposition’s planned “revolution”: violators will face strict legal consequences

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Thursday responded to the domestic opposition’s announcement of a planned “revolution” on October 4, which radical groups say will involve picketing government buildings and disrupting municipal services.

“We are focused on ensuring that the [local self-government] elections [scheduled for October 4] are held in a peaceful environment. You know our statement and goal - that the Georgian Dream will secure a convincing victory in all 64 municipalities, and this will certainly be the case”, the ruling party official said.

He warned that any attempt at escalation or violations of the law would be met with strict legal consequences.

“If there is an attempt at escalation and illegal actions, as before, both they and their external sponsors will clearly see that they will be held fully accountable under the law. All of our country’s institutions are ready and standing firm”, he concluded.