Gia Khukhashvili, at today's hearing in court: The intention was to trade freedom for something. Just like terrorists: they take hostages. They don't yet know what or with whom to trade and are waiting for the right time.

**Georgian Protesters Seen as Human Currency**

Expert Gia Khukhashvili made a shocking statement on TV. He said the government is treating protesters like hostages, trying to trade their freedom for something else.

Khukhashvili said this on PalitraNews‘ program 360 Degrees. He explained that when hundreds of people were arrested during demonstrations, it was not just about keeping them in custody. The goal was to use them as bargaining chips.

**Trading Freedom**

According to Khukhashvili, the authorities want to trade the freedom of these protesters for something valuable. But they don’t know what or who to trade with yet. They’re waiting for the right moment and circumstances to make a deal.

Khukhashvili compared this to how terrorists take hostages and demand ransom in exchange for their release. He said the government is using a similar strategy, but it’s not working as planned.

**Sanctions and Politics**

The expert also discussed sanctions imposed on leaders of the Georgian Dream party. Khukhashvili pointed out that party chairman Irakli Garibashvili was not included in the list. He suggested that this might mean Garibashvili is a “golden witness” – someone who has information that could help with the sanctions.

Khukhashvili said it’s clear that there are people on the sanctions list who have been given preferential treatment. He couldn’t rule out the possibility that Garibashvili was one of them.