**Opposition Leader Detained in Georgia Amid Escalating Tensions**
On May 22, the Tbilisi City Court made a decision that has left many in Georgia and beyond outraged. The court ruled to keep Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition party Girchi – More Freedom, in pre-trial detention. This move is seen as a further escalation of tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream party and the country’s opposition.
Japaridze had refused to appear before a parliamentary commission probing alleged crimes committed during the previous United National Movement (UNM) government. The commission was widely criticized for being biased and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
The hearing itself was marked by heavy police presence, with only 15 individuals allowed inside the courtroom. Diplomats from the Czech and Swedish embassies, as well as a representative from Amnesty International, were present to observe the proceedings. However, colleagues from Germany and the United States were turned away due to “space limitations.”
**Domestic Reaction: A Mixed Response**
Reaction from within Georgia has been varied. The Resistance Platform, which includes President Salome Zurabishvili among its members, condemned the ruling as a “shameful” attempt by the Georgian Dream party to silence opposition voices.
“This is yet another sign of their weakness – that they no longer know in what direction or how far to take the repression,” said President Zurabishvili. “We need endurance, but we must know that today’s verdict is a verdict delivered on the Georgian Dream.”
Opposition leaders also spoke out against the ruling, calling for an end to the regime’s repressive tactics.
“The regime stands only on arrests and fear,” said Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change. “Rationalisation is unnecessary – we must say clearly: overthrowing the oligarchy is the task.”
**A Clear Message from Opposition Leaders**
Leaders from various opposition parties rallied around Japaridze, calling for his freedom and an end to the repression.
“We will win,” said Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of Strong Georgia. “Freedom for Japhara! Freedom for political prisoners!”
Tina Bokuchava, leader of Unity-UNM, praised Japaridze’s courage and called for unity among opposition forces.
“He was always different from everyone else – with his humility, sincerity, and competence,” she said. “He’s afraid of nothing, and even from prison, he will say only one thing – the same thing he says outside: Unite to save the country.”
**A Warning from Civil Society Organizations**
Transparency International Georgia warned that the ruling represents a clear trend towards dictatorship in the country.
“The illegitimate government of ‘Georgian Dream’ has crossed yet another red line on its path toward dictatorship,” said the organization. “Their goal is to leave the opposition political spectrum without leaders, in order to uncontestedly seize control of municipal governing bodies in the upcoming local elections.”
Read More @ civil.ge
