**Leaders of “Lelo – Strong Georgia” Detained, Says Executive Secretary**
The leaders of the political party “Lelo – Strong Georgia”, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, have been detained by the Georgian authorities. This move has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether it’s a case of political persecution or simply upholding the law.
According to Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of “Georgian Dream”, the detention is not a crime against democracy but rather a punishment for committing a legitimate offense under Georgia’s laws. In an interview, Mdinaradze pointed out that Khazaradze and Japaridze failed to appear before the commission as required by law.
**”Failure to Appear is Punishable by Law”**
Mdinaradze emphasized that failure to appear in court cases is a serious offense in Georgia, with clear consequences. “People committed a crime and were given the appropriate punishment,” he stated. The Executive Secretary dismissed claims of political persecution, arguing that this case does not fit the definition of imprisonment for political motives.
**The Definition of Political Imprisonment**
Political imprisonment occurs when a person is detained unlawfully due to their political views or affiliations. However, in this situation, Mdinaradze argues, there is no evidence of such motives. The leaders simply failed to appear before the commission and faced the consequences. As Mdinaradze noted, “Not a single case has been that simple.” He pointed out that if someone deliberately breaks the law and refuses to cooperate with authorities, what options are left for the state?
**The Backlash**
Critics of the government have called the detention an example of political oppression. However, Mdinaradze’s statement suggests that this is not a case of persecution but rather upholding the rule of law. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision, one thing is clear: the Georgian authorities are committed to enforcing their laws and maintaining order in the country.
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