**Georgian Opposition Leader Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison**
In a move widely seen as an attack on the opposition, Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili has sentenced Nika Melia, leader of the Ahali party, to eight months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission. This investigative body is tasked with probing alleged crimes committed by former officials, but many see it as a tool for the ruling Georgian Dream government to consolidate power.
Melia’s sentence comes on top of fines and prison time already handed down to several other opposition leaders, including Givi Targamadze, Giorgi Vashadze, Badri Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Zurab Japaridze. All have been stripped of their right to hold office for two years.
**International Condemnation**
The prison sentences against Melia and other opposition leaders have sparked widespread international condemnation. Dozens of partners have described the verdicts as acts of political persecution and accused the Georgian Dream government of trying to silence its critics.
“This is a clear attempt by the ruling party to suppress the opposition and consolidate power,” said a spokesperson for the European Union. “We urge the Georgian authorities to respect democratic principles and the rights of citizens to express themselves freely.”
**The Tsulukiani Commission**
At the heart of this controversy is the Tsulukiani Commission, which was set up by the Georgian Dream parliament to investigate alleged crimes committed by former officials. However, many see it as a tool for the government to harass its opponents.
Former Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia has been summoned before the commission, but he refused to appear, citing his party’s boycott of the investigation. Two other opposition leaders, Nika Gvaramia and Mamuka Khazaradze, have also rejected calls to testify.
**The Road Ahead**
With the Tsulukiani Commission set to continue its work until August 5, it seems that tensions between the government and opposition are unlikely to ease anytime soon. The Georgian Dream party has vowed to ban the opposition by the end of the year, but this move is widely seen as a desperate attempt to cling to power.
As the situation in Georgia continues to escalate, one thing is clear: the country’s democratic credentials are under intense scrutiny.
