Paata Manjgaladze: "Compared to the 'zero empathy' stance, a shift in the government's attitude is noticeable; however, forcing someone to confess to a crime they did not commit cannot be considered an act of humanity—how can I repent for an absurdity? Or what exactly am I supposed to repent for?"

"How can I repent for an absurdity?" – This is what opposition politician Paata Manjgaladze, convicted in the "October 4th case," writes in a letter responding from prison to the ongoing discussion regarding plea bargains.

In the letter, Manjgaladze urges the public not to label those who have accepted plea bargains as traitors, noting that under the current circumstances, this represents a matter of personal choice.

The opposition politician describes the charges against him as absurd and warns the government that these same tactics could one day be turned against them.

"Greetings, friends. I would like to address a few issues regarding plea bargains that have been circulating in the public sphere:

I understand the strong temptation to criticize one another; however, none of us is infallible. Consequently, a position that differs from our own—or one we find unacceptable—does not automatically equate to betrayal, nor does it justify branding someone a traitor;

Under the current circumstances, entering into a plea bargain is a matter of free choice, and we must be able to understand those who have taken this step.

I do not consider it an act of humanism or Christianity to accuse someone of a crime, detain them illegally, and then create conditions that force them to confess to and repent for something they never committed. I am referring to my own case, where the judge—when describing the charges—simply copied the prosecution's claim that I had 'organized' an event for October 4, 2025, based on statements made in October 2024—a full year in advance. How am I supposed to repent for such an absurdity? Or what exactly am I supposed to repent for?

Compared to the previously stated 'zero tolerance' stance, a shift in the authorities' attitude is certainly noticeable; however, for coercing someone into confessing to a deed he has not committed cannot be considered humane.

I hope those making the decisions also realize that, in the future, they might face the same axe they are using to cut today," Paata Manjgaladze writes in a statement released by the press service.