Georgian courts have sentenced three prominent opposition figures — Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Dzhaparidze, and Zurab Dzhaparidze — to short prison terms for refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission. The commission is investigating the activities of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and his associates.

According to the court ruling, Mamuka Khazaradze was sentenced to 8 months in prison and 2 years of disqualification from participating in public activities. Badri Dzhaparidze and Zurab Dzhaparidze also received punishments, but the details of their sentences have not yet been made public.

The verdict has sparked criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties, who describe it as a worsening of political repression. Mass arrests of opposition members and protest participants have continued in Georgia since the end of 2024, following disputed parliamentary elections that triggered widespread demonstrations across the country.

Earlier, on June 13, another well-known opposition politician and media figure — Nika Gvaramia — was arrested. He faces up to one year in prison for similarly refusing to cooperate with the parliamentary commission.

Freedom House and Amnesty International have already expressed concern over increasing pressure on freedom of expression and political competition in Georgia.

Source: Reuters

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23.06.2025 08:46