**Georgian Opposition Leader Jailed for Defying Parliament’s Investigative Commission**
In a tense hearing at the Tbilisi City Court, Zurab Japaridze, leader of the Girchi-More Freedom party, was placed in pretrial detention for refusing to pay a bail imposed by the court. This move comes after Japaridze defied a summons from the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary investigative commission.
**Heavy Police Presence and Limited Access**
The hearing took place amidst heavy police mobilization inside and around the Tbilisi City Court, with citizens barred from entering the courtyard. Two people were reportedly detained as tensions flared outside the court building. Journalists were not allowed to take cameras into the courtroom but managed to broadcast live using mobile phones.
**International Observers Attend Hearing**
A small group of diplomats, including representatives from the Czech and Swedish embassies, attended the hearing in a crowded courtroom that could only accommodate around 15 people. Other diplomats from the German and U.S. embassies arrived but were unable to attend due to space constraints.
**Opposition Leaders Pledge to Follow Japaridze’s Example**
Japaridze’s imprisonment has sparked concerns among opposition leaders, with many vowing to follow his example. Ahali party leaders Nika Gvaramia and Nika Melia have stated that they will also refuse to comply with the parliamentary commission’s summonses, potentially facing similar treatment.
**Not Complying with Parliament’s Commission a Criminal Offense**
Refusing to appear before the temporary investigative commission is a criminal offense punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison. The commission, headed by Tea Tsulukiani, has been probing alleged crimes committed by the United National Movement government.
**Controversy Surrounds Parliamentary Commission**
The Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary investigative commission has been criticized for targeting opposition figures and former officials. Many see it as a tool to silence the opposition ahead of elections. The commission’s final report is expected to be submitted to the Constitutional Court, which could potentially ban the United National Movement and its successor parties.
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