**Georgian Opposition Leaders Sentenced to Prison for Refusing to Cooperate with Investigative Commission**
In a move that has been widely criticized by the opposition, two prominent Georgian politicians have been sentenced to prison for refusing to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission. Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the Lelo party, was given an eight-month sentence on June 23, while Zurab Japaridze of Girchi-More Freedom received seven months in prison.
**Background and Context**
The Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission has been probing alleged crimes by officials from the previous United National Movement (UNM) government. Opposition leaders have been summoned to testify as part of this investigation, but many have refused to cooperate. Khazaradze and Japaridze are just two examples of opposition figures who have been sentenced to prison for their defiance.
**Consequences for Opposition Leaders**
Khazaradze was initially free on bail of GEL 50,000 (about USD 18,300), but has now been ordered to serve his sentence. He is currently at Lelo’s office, where law enforcement officials are expected to execute the judge’s ruling. Japaridze, on the other hand, had already been in pretrial detention for refusing to post bail.
**Other Opposition Leaders in Similar Cases**
Several other individuals and opposition politicians are awaiting final rulings in similar cases. These include Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia of the Ahali party, who remain in pretrial detention after refusing to post bail. Others, such as Lelo’s Badri Japaridze and Strategy Aghmashenebeli’s Giorgi Vashadze, are currently free on bail but face possible prison sentences.
**Government Response**
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that anyone who defies the parliament will be imprisoned. This move has been seen as a tactic to intimidate opposition leaders and limit their ability to participate in politics.
**Repercussions for Opposition**
The sentencing of Khazaradze and Japaridze is likely to have significant repercussions for the opposition in Georgia. The Lelo-led Strong Georgia coalition has been boycotting parliamentary work, but with this development, it remains unclear whether they will continue to do so or participate in local elections.
**What’s Next?**
The cases of Khazaradze and Japaridze are just two examples of a broader pattern of intimidation and repression against opposition leaders. As the investigation continues, more individuals may face prison sentences for refusing to cooperate with the commission. The situation remains highly uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Georgian opposition will need to be strong and united in the face of this challenge.
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