**Opposition Politicians Re-Summoned by Georgian Dream Commission**
In a move that has sparked concerns about the government’s intentions, three opposition politicians in Georgia have been re-summoned to testify before a temporary investigative commission set up by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The commission is tasked with investigating alleged crimes committed by former officials of the United National Movement (UNM) and others.
One of those summoned again is Giorgi Gakharia, the former Prime Minister of Georgia who was also part of the Georgian Dream government until he left in 2021. Unlike other opposition leaders, Gakharia had testified before the commission back in April. However, this time, he has been called to testify over allegations related to his actions as Interior Minister in 2019, including posting a police checkpoint near the occupation line.
**Pre-Trial Detention and Boycotts**
Meanwhile, Nika Gvaramia, the leader of the opposition party Ahali, is currently in pre-trial detention for refusing to pay bail after boycotting the commission. He has now received a second summons while in custody, which allows him to testify online. Similarly, Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of Lelo for Georgia, who also boycotted the commission but managed to post bail, has been re-summoned to appear on June 30.
Both Khazaradze and Gvaramia have announced that they will not be attending the commission’s hearing. Gakharia is yet to decide whether he will testify again or not.
**Consequences of Non-Compliance**
It’s worth noting that non-compliance with Parliament’s temporary investigative commission is a criminal offense, which can result in up to one year in prison or a fine, along with a three-year ban from holding public office. Several opposition politicians have already faced charges for defying the GD commission.
The commission itself has been widely criticized as an attempt by Georgian Dream to silence its opponents and gain a further advantage over them. The cases against the opposition leaders are seen as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting and banning parties that oppose the ruling party.
**Background**
Georgian Dream’s temporary investigative commission is tasked with investigating alleged crimes committed during the time of the UNM government from 2004 to 2012. However, critics argue that this is a thinly veiled attempt to ban the opposition parties and create a one-party system in Georgia.
The commission has already received criticism for its handling of previous cases, including those related to alleged torture and business racketeering during the UNM era.
**Next Steps**
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this saga will play out. Will Gakharia decide to testify again? How will the opposition respond to these repeated summons? And what are the implications of these actions for Georgia’s fragile democracy?
Only time will tell.
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