**Georgia’s Ex-President Slams Jailing of Opposition Leaders**
In a scathing social media post, Georgia’s third President Mikheil Saakashvili has condemned the jailing of two prominent opposition leaders. Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, co-founders of the “Lelo for Strong Georgia” party, were sentenced to 8 months in prison each after being found guilty of failing to comply with a parliamentary investigation.
Saakashvili, who has been critical of Georgia’s current government, called the arrests an “act of mockery by Georgia’s captured, bandit-like occupational regime.” He suggested that the country’s prisons are already overcrowded and predicted that “soon the doors will inevitably burst open, and everyone will find their rightful place.”
**Context: A Pattern of Arrests**
This is not the first time opposition leaders have been targeted in Georgia. In recent months, several prominent politicians and activists have been arrested or charged with various crimes. Zurab Girchi Japaridze, a leader of the “Coalition for Change,” was also sentenced to 7 months in prison earlier today for failing to comply with an investigative commission.
**The Regime’s Response**
Georgia’s government has defended the arrests as necessary measures to uphold the law and ensure accountability. However, critics argue that these actions are part of a larger pattern of repression against opposition voices. As Saakashvili pointed out, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is also releasing political prisoners in his country.
**What’s Next?**
Saakashvili’s statement implies that he believes the current government will eventually face consequences for its actions. While it’s difficult to predict exactly what will happen next, one thing is clear: Georgia’s opposition leaders and activists are facing increasing pressure from a regime that seems determined to silence them.
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