**Former Georgian Minister Cancels Debate with Government Leaders**
Tina Khidasheli, a former minister of defense in Georgia, has decided not to participate in a televised debate with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.
The debate was planned for tonight at 22:00 on the public broadcaster. Mikheil Janelidze, another former government minister, had also agreed to take part. However, both have now canceled their participation.
Khidasheli explained her decision on social media. She wrote that after reading a message from Papuashvili, she no longer saw any point in participating in the debate. She called for people to occupy public spaces and use them to fight against the government regime.
Khidasheli criticized the current government leaders for not doing enough to support victims of police violence and abuse. She said that instead of helping these individuals, the prime minister thanked the police officers involved.
The former minister emphasized the importance of meeting with and listening to people who have been beaten and tortured by the police. She called for justice to be served on behalf of these victims.
Today marks the start of large-scale repressions in Georgia, according to Khidasheli’s social media post.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge