Jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili accused Bidzina Ivanishvili of planning provocations to justify arrests, ban political parties, and shut down TV stations. In a Facebook post, Saakashvili claimed that a parliamentary commission—set to release its findings in August—will falsely blame him and Georgia for starting the 2008 war, paving the way for renewed ties with Russia and recognition of occupied territories.

He described this as part of a broader Kremlin-backed plan, including his conviction and attacks on other regional leaders. Saakashvili warned of a “black August” and said Ivanishvili’s actions aim to distract the public and appease Moscow. He concluded by urging national unity, stating, “Power is in Unity.”