**Opposition Politician Givi Targamadze Sentenced to 7 Months in Prison**
In a move that has raised eyebrows, opposition politician Givi Targamadze was sentenced to 7 months in prison for failing to appear before the parliamentary investigative commission. Targamadze, who spoke to journalists after the verdict, expressed his disappointment and criticized what he believes is an attempt by Russia to silence him.
“I’ve thought about my safety, of course,” Targamadze said. “But avoiding situations because of fear… that’s not an option.” He pointed out that if someone decides to take action against him, they will follow through, as demonstrated by a previous incident where he was blown up. “Did they want an explosion? They blew me up,” he emphasized.
Targamadze also suggested that the verdict was “ordered by Russia.” This claim is not entirely surprising, given the tense relationship between Georgia and Russia. The opposition politician believes that his security will be protected, but he refuses to back down out of fear. “I survived once, I’ll survive again,” he stated.
**A Pattern of Intimidation?**
Targamadze’s comments highlight a pattern of intimidation against opposition politicians in Georgia. His sentence and the subsequent criticism by Justice Minister Nino Tsulukiani have sparked concerns about the government’s willingness to silence dissenting voices.
Tsulukiani had previously claimed victory in The Hague as her own achievement, despite being part of the Georgian government during a period of tension with Russia. Targamadze sees this as “pure cynicism” and believes that it is connected to his current situation.
**A Constitutional Issue?**
The opposition politician was charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to failure to comply with the request of the Parliamentary Temporary Investigative Commission. This offense carries a punishment of up to one year in prison or restriction of the right to hold office for up to three years.
However, some have questioned whether Targamadze’s sentence was fair and proportional to the crime committed. The fact that he was sentenced to 7 months in prison, which is more severe than the maximum penalty under the article, has raised suspicions about the true motives behind the verdict.
**What’s Next for Givi Targamadze?**
Targamadze plans to head to the nearest police station and begin serving his sentence. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains resolute in his commitment to speaking out against what he believes is an attempt by Russia to silence him.
As he prepares to face his imprisonment, Targamadze’s comments serve as a reminder of the risks faced by opposition politicians in Georgia. His determination to continue fighting for his rights and those of others will likely spark further debate about the government’s handling of dissenting voices.
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