Koba Davitashvili

Koba Davitashvili (Georgian: კობა დავითაშვილი) (born July 31, 1971) is a Georgian politician, prominent member of Georgian opposition, member of Tbilisi City Assembly and a leader of the Georgian People's Party.

Early life and career

Davitashvili was born in Tbilisi on July 31, 1971. After finishing the school he graduated Tbilisi State University with degree in International law. In 1993 he took part in War in Abkhazia and served as a head of artillery unit. In 90’s Davitashvili served on several governmental positions and also practiced jurisprudence. In 1998-1999 he was a member of Tbilisi City Assembly and worked as head of Department of Human Rights. Davitashvili is married and has five children.

Political career

After meeting Mikheil Saakashvili he served as one of the main figures in newly found United National Movement and was actively campaigning against president Eduard Shevardnadze. He didn't take active part in 2003 Georgian demonstrations because of the tensions that aroused between him and Saakashvili. However, he remained a member of Saakashvili's party until the end of 2004 Adjara crisis during which he was severely beaten by Abashidze's supporters. Davitashvili was elected as a member of Parliament of Georgia and shortly after end of elections left the UNM along with Conservative Party of Georgia. After moving to opposition he started active campaigning against President Saakashvili and at certain point publicly accused him of cheating on wife.

Davitashvili left his seat in Parliament of Georgia to take part in local elections to join Tbilisi City Assembly. Shortly after finishing of the elections footage was released which allegedly showing Davitashvili taking bribe and selling seats in his party. Davitashvili denied the accusations and stated that footage was falsified by the government. Shortly after the scandal broke up he left the Conservative Party and found Peoples party.

The same day 2007 demonstrations in Tbilisi were dispersed by riot police Davitashvili was severely beaten reportedly by the members of governmental forces. After beating he was kidnapped and taken to Gori Military Hospital by the same people he was beaten. Because of his disappearance and fact that his relatives weren't allowed to visit him gossips emerged that Davitashvili was killed. However, on the next day he held a press conference and accused Saakashvilis government of targeting him. The incident was not investigated.

Currently Davitashvili is an active member of Georgian opposition. He called Georgian opposition parties for unification against Saakashvili.