Opposition, MEP Say Georgian Dream Responsible for Elene Khoshtaria's Health
By Messenger Staff
Friday, October 30, 2026
Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa party, was transferred from Rustavi Women's Prison to Todua Clinic in Tbilisi for a scheduled medical check-up. She arrived at the clinic in a wheelchair, prompting reactions from opposition politicians and a member of the European Parliament over concerns about her health.
Ana Tsitlidze, a representative of the United National Movement, blamed Georgian Dream for Khoshtaria's condition, questioning why she was in prison over writing on an election banner.
"When Georgian Dream speaks of systemic crimes, they should look at what they have done to Elene Khoshtaria. Why is Elene Khoshtaria in prison at all? What did she do wrong? Is it because she wrote something on a banner with a marker?" Tsitlidze said.
She added that Khoshtaria was not a criminal and accused the ruling party of placing greater value on a banner than on human health and life.
"Bringing Elene to this state is the direct responsibility of Georgian Dream," Tsitlidze stated.
Member of the European Parliament Rasa Jukneviciene also held the ruling party responsible for Khoshtaria's health, writing on X that her condition had deteriorated in prison. She noted that the European Parliament had repeatedly called for Khoshtaria's immediate release.
Giorgi Kakhiani, a member of the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority, said Khoshtaria could have avoided imprisonment by paying the GEL 5,000 bail set by the court or admitting to the offense.
"She did not pay it, knowing full well that failing to do so would result in detention," Kakhiani said, describing her imprisonment as the result of her own decisions. He added that he did not know the details of her current health condition and would not wish ill health on anyone.
Khoshtaria was arrested on September 15, 2025, after writing "Russian Dream" on Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze's election banner. She was charged with damaging another person's property, found guilty by the court and sentenced to one year and six months in prison.
Several months ago, Khoshtaria was transferred to Vivamedi Clinic after her health deteriorated. She was returned to Rustavi Women's Prison on September 27.
In a recent letter from prison, Khoshtaria said her health was improving and vowed to continue opposing Bidzina Ivanishvili's government, saying she would fight "whether by cane or wheelchair." She also said she had no complaints about the prison administration's handling of her health.
