I hope to be granted asylum. Deportation [ from Germany] that would be a death sentence for me.

I would like to see more control and more criticism coming from Europe. The constant expressions of friendship for former President Eduard Shevardnadze, who made some contribution to German unity, were counterproductive for our country.

Our prison in Georgia is a very different place from this prison here in Berlin. The conditions there are inhuman.

We lived in a totalitarian system for more than 70 years, and our views are still under its influence. Many heads of state in the former Soviet republics believe that they must have total power.

The West didn't see our real situation, and we were blinded by the compliments coming from the Europeans and Americans.

[Mikhail] Saakashvili will use all legal and illegal means possible to remain in power. People are being threatened to prevent them from collaborating with the opposition. At the same time, he is terrorizing the business world, which prevents the opposition from gaining any funding.

I hope to be granted asylum. Deportation [ from Germany] that would be a death sentence for me.