At the time, you know, Khazaradze and Japaridze were evicting people from their homes – now, the government has evicted these same people from prison – this is a contrast in attitudes, – said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, commenting on Mikheil Kavelashvili’s pardon of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze.
Kobakhidze stated that he respects Mikheil Kavelashvili’s decision.
“Of course, we respect the decision of Georgia’s President, Mikheil Kavelashvili. This decision reflects the attitude of the authorities, of the president. The president, broadly speaking, is naturally part of the government, even though he is not a member of the ruling political party. At the time, you know, Khazaradze and Japaridze were evicting people from their homes – now, the government has evicted these same people from prison – this is a contrast in attitudes,” Kobakhidze said.
For reference, Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Kavelashvili explained his decision by saying that he wants no one to have the impression that local self-government elections are being held under conditions of limited competitiveness.
It should also be recalled that “Lelo – Strong Georgia” leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze were arrested on June 23 at the party’s office. Their arrest was carried out based on the decision of Judge Zviad Sharadze, who found both leaders guilty of failing to comply with a request from the temporary parliamentary investigative commission.
They were sentenced to eight months of imprisonment and simultaneously banned from holding certain positions for two years.
Irakli Kobakhidze: At one time, Khazaradze and Japaridze were evicting people from their homes; now the government has evicted these same people from prison – this is a contrast in attitudes
