**Protest Erupts in Georgia as Leader of Lelo Party Supports Jailed Activist**
In a bold statement, Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the Lelo – For a Strong Georgia party, has thrown his full support behind Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, a prominent activist who was recently jailed. Japaridze’s detention is seen as a crackdown on dissenting voices in Georgia.
Khazaradze took to social media to express his solidarity with Japaridze, calling him a symbol of justice and friendship. He urged Georgians to “fight to the end” for freedom and democracy. The protest message has sparked outrage among supporters of Japaridze and opposition parties, who see this as an attempt by the government to silence dissenting voices.
**Background on Japaridze’s Case**
For context, Japaridze is a member of the Coalition for Change, a group known for its vocal opposition to Russia’s influence in Georgia. He was previously released on bail of 20,000 GEL (around $6,500 USD) but was recently reimprisoned by Judge Irakli Shvangiradze of Tbilisi City Court.
This decision has been met with anger and frustration among opposition parties and supporters of Japaridze. His jailing is seen as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and maintain control over the narrative in Georgia.
**Reactions from Opposition Parties**
Khazaradze’s bold statement has sparked reactions from other opposition parties, who see this as a call to action for Georgians to stand up against government oppression. As tensions rise in Georgia, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences Japaridze’s jailing may have on the country’s already fragile democratic institutions.
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