Fady Asly, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) published an open letter to Bidzina Ivanishvili
"Mr. Ivanishvili,
Now that your true face has finally emerged, I will address you for what you are: a man who spent twelve years lying to everyone. You started with your own voters, whom you lured into a pro-European agenda in 2020, presented by the then-chairman of your party, Irakli Kobakhidze, only to betray them and align with Russia.
For years, you deceived the entire Western community by claiming that you were steering Georgia towards the West. Simultaneously, you lied to your Russian allies, assuring them that you were efficiently shifting public opinion to favor Russia.
In 2012, you lied to me and every Georgian, promising that you would continue the constructive initiatives of the United National Movement, and that you would put an end to their wrongdoings. However, what you did was the exact opposite. You halted all the positive actions that the UNM was undertaking and escalated their negative deeds to a much higher level.
You brought corruption in Georgia to exceed the levels seen during Shevardnadze’s Administration. You employed tens of thousands of ineffectual people in the public sector to ensure that they and their families would perpetually support your party with their votes.
You either bribed or intimidated businesses and individuals to secure their loyalty or to frighten them. Finally, you openly allied yourself with Russia through your own secret “Treaty of Georgievsk”, turning against your own country and antagonizing our allies, as well as the Georgian people who sacrificed everything under the Russian and Soviet boot for 200 years for their nation's wellbeing.
Mr. Ivanishvili, your main issue stems from the distorted image you hold of yourself, believing you are far more intelligent than you actually are, with no one around bold enough to tell you the truth.
Time and again, you have overreached; just a few days after your momentous speech on April 29, your subservient Prime Minister is already retreating on the Russian law, suggesting to the Western Community to discuss it after the Presidential veto.
You have alienated the vast majority of the population, turning them against yourself, your party, and your government. You, an older man, have single-handedly decided to destroy the dreams and aspirations of millions of young Georgians who want their future in Europe, because you arrogantly believe that you know better than they do what is their best interest.
You resort to using violence and thugs to suppress the numerous dissenting voices, pushing Georgia towards dictatorship.
Mr. Ivanishvili, unlike you, I have always adhered to my principles and sacrificed my financial interests for Georgia. I come from a failed country, and I deeply believe that Georgia should not become another Lebanon. Georgians deserve freedom, success, and prosperity—not the tainted prosperity you offer, purchased at the cost of their principles and consciences.
Mr. Ivanishvili, you have reached the end of the road. The Georgian people will oust you in October, but more importantly, they will hold you and your cronies accountable for all the crimes committed during your twelve bloody years in power.
Yes, you can send your thugs to beat me up in the street, and perhaps even to kill me; I truly do not care, nor am I afraid of your minions. Please, proceed as you see fit.
I have lived long enough, and if my demise can contribute to securing freedom and a brighter future for Georgia's remarkable youth, I am willing to make that sacrifice without hesitation. This will honor my family, my children, and my grandchildren.
Send your thugs, but remember what I once wrote to you: “He who lives by the sword will die by the sword.”
Georgia will prevail, prosperity and freedom will emerge from the ruins of your treacherous reign, and history will remember your name alongside all traitors to the nation", - writes Fady Asly.
