**Georgian Opposition Leaders Sentenced to Prison**
In a move that has sparked international condemnation, seven opposition leaders in Georgia have been sentenced to prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission. The commission is an investigative body established by the Georgian Dream government to probe alleged crimes committed under previous governments.
Irakli Okruashvili, a former defense minister and member of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), was given the harshest sentence – eight months in prison. He was also stripped of his right to hold public office for two years. The other six leaders sentenced were Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Givi Targamadze, Giorgi Vashadze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaradze, and Zurab Japaridze.
**A Politically Motivated Move?**
The Georgian Dream government has defended the imprisonment of opposition leaders as necessary to prevent them from undermining the democratic system. However, many international partners have condemned the move as politically motivated and an attempt by the government to consolidate power.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told Imedi TV that the opposition politicians were not arrested for their actions, but rather for refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the disputed parliament. He claimed that this principle is effective in every country.
**The Tsulukiani Commission**
The Tsulukiani Commission was initially formed to probe alleged crimes committed under the UNM government. However, its scope has expanded over time, and it now includes critics of the Georgian Dream government. Non-compliance with the commission’s summons can lead to fines or imprisonment, as well as a ban on holding public office.
Most opposition leaders have refused to appear before the commission, citing their refusal to legitimize the disputed parliament. The exception was ex-Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who testified twice while arguing that his testimonies do not mean legitimizing the legislature.
**International Condemnation**
Dozens of international partners have condemned the imprisonment of opposition figures as politically motivated and an attempt by the Georgian Dream government to consolidate power. The final report of the Tsulukiani Commission is expected to be submitted to the country’s Constitutional Court, which could potentially ban the UNM and its successor parties.
The situation in Georgia has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the rule of law. As one expert noted, the imprisonment of opposition leaders is a worrying sign that the government is using judicial pressure to silence critics and maintain power.
