**Politician Giorgi Vashadze Sentenced to Prison and Banned from Holding Office**
In a significant court ruling, Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of the Strategy Builder party in Georgia, has been found guilty of failing to comply with a request from the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament. As a result, he was sentenced to 7 months in prison and banned from holding office for 2 years.
**Courtroom Drama**
The sentencing took place without Giorgi Vashadze’s presence in court. His lawyer had requested that Judge Nino Galustashvili postpone the hearing until his client could make a final statement, but the judge chose to proceed with the pronouncement of judgment regardless. Vashadze was reportedly waiting for the verdict at the party office with his colleagues.
**Background and Charges**
This ruling stems from an earlier incident where Giorgi Vashadze was summoned by the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament to provide explanations, which he failed to do. He was subsequently charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, relating to “failure to comply with the request of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia.” This offense carries a punishment of up to one year in prison, a fine, or deprivation of certain rights for up to three years.
**Preventive Measure**
Notably, Giorgi Vashadze had been granted bail of 50,000 GEL as a preventive measure before his trial. He paid this amount within the time frame set by law, which suggests that he was able to cover the costs associated with this precautionary measure.
This sentence and the subsequent ban on holding office for two years indicate a significant consequence for Giorgi Vashadze’s decision not to comply with the parliamentary commission’s request. As the leader of the Strategy Builder party, his leadership role has been impacted by this ruling, which may have implications for the party itself in the future.
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