Elene Khoshtaria, a Georgian opposition politician, has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison for damaging a campaign banner. Judge Giorgi Arevadze delivered the verdict on Tuesday, commencing from her detention date of September 15, 2025, resulting in an additional year of incarceration for Khoshtaria. The sentencing relates to an incident preceding Georgia’s local elections in October 2025, where Kakha Kaladze, the Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of the Georgian Dream party, was seeking re-election.
Khoshtaria’s actions occurred when she wrote ‘Russian Dream’ on a Kaladze campaign banner. This phrase is frequently used by critics accusing the Georgian Dream of aligning the country with Russia. Following Khoshtaria’s detention, supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party attacked protesters outside the election headquarters, resulting in injuries to several individuals and journalists.
Khoshtaria’s actions were in solidarity with Megi Diasamidze, who was previously detained for spray-painting similar messages on another banner. Diasamidze was released on bail, and Khoshtaria was also granted bail but refused to pay it, remaining in pretrial detention. Khoshtaria also refused to attend court hearings, citing a lack of recognition for the current authorities following the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections.
The Prosecutor’s Office assessed the damage as ₾570 ($210). Khoshtaria’s lawyer argued the ruling was unlawful, highlighting the broader implications for critical voices within Georgian society. Khoshtaria faces additional charges, including involvement in the ‘sabotage’ case, potentially carrying a sentence of up to 15 years.
The European Parliament has condemned these politically motivated arrests. The case involves multiple opposition politicians, including Khoshtaria, and Diasamidze, who has been charged under the same article.
Topics: #khoshtaria #banner #opposition
