**Politician Charged for Failing to Appear Before Parliament Commission**
In a move that has sparked controversy, politician Zurab Girchi Japaridze has been charged with failing to appear before the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament. However, according to Japaridze himself, this is just another example of the government’s attempt to silence him.
Speaking to journalists after being handed the charges, Japaridze expressed his disdain for the process. “I am not going to pay a single lari!” he exclaimed. “I haven’t paid anything! They may confiscate my passport – but I am not going anywhere!”
Japaridze’s words highlight the growing frustration among opposition politicians in Georgia, who feel that they are being unfairly targeted by the government. The politician was called before the temporary investigative commission, which is a special body set up to investigate specific issues.
But Japaridze claims that he was not given sufficient notice of the hearing and did not sign any agreement to appear. “They handed me materials, some documents,” he said. “What I looked at were my WhatsApp messages, where they called me to this so-called commission. There are ‘screenshots’ of my Facebook posts, and they are printed in an 80 font, it’s in the materials. There’s nothing else inside.”
This move has sparked concern among human rights groups and opposition politicians, who fear that the government is using these tactics to silence dissenting voices.
**A Pattern of Behavior**
Japaridze’s experience is not an isolated incident. In fact, he claims that this is a common practice in Georgian courts. “The court has established a practice that politicians are granted bail and released,” he said. “They know I’m not going to flee the country. I’ve been here since Strasbourg, and I’m still here.”
This pattern of behavior raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary in Georgia. If politicians are being charged with trivial offenses simply because they are opposing the government, then it’s clear that the system is rigged against them.
**A Fight for Freedom**
Japaridze is not backing down from this fight. Despite the charges against him, he remains committed to his cause. “I’m not going to leave this country anywhere!” he declared. “Until I send them away, I’m not going to stop!”
This bravery in the face of adversity is inspiring, and it’s clear that Japaridze will continue to be a thorn in the side of the Georgian government. His determination to fight for freedom and democracy is a beacon of hope for all those who believe in these values.
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