**Georgian Opposition Politicians Refuse to Pay Bail, Raising Tensions**
In a move that has sparked controversy and debate in Georgia, several opposition politicians have refused to pay bail, choosing instead to remain in detention. The decision has been met with criticism from government officials, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and creates a false narrative about the country’s political situation.
According to Vice Speaker of Parliament Nino Tsilosani, the opposition’s refusal to pay bail is a deliberate attempt to create an image of Georgian politicians being imprisoned. “They’re trying to ensure that as many people as possible end up in prison so that they can sell this image abroad,” she stated. This, she claimed, was part of a larger effort by the opposition to promote a false narrative about the country’s politics.
**The Law and Bail**
Tsilosani emphasized that the law is clear: individuals have the right to choose between bail and detention. However, when someone refuses to pay bail and remains in detention, the law must be enforced. She argued that this applies equally to opposition politicians, including Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze and others who see themselves as above the law.
“If the law doesn’t work for one person, how can it work for others?” Tsilosani asked. “If they get away with this, it will harm the state.” She further claimed that the opposition’s decision not to pay bail reflects a disregard for the law and undermines the legal framework.
**The Opposition’s Strategy**
Tsilosani suggested that the opposition has deliberately divided its roles: some politicians pay bail and stay outside to continue their political activity, while others remain in jail to help create the image they want to sell internationally. This strategy, she argued, is designed to promote a false narrative about Georgia’s politics.
**Context and Implications**
The controversy surrounding the opposition’s refusal to pay bail comes against the backdrop of an investigation into the failure to comply with the Georgian Parliament’s temporary investigative commission’s demands. Several politicians, including former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, have been assigned bail but have chosen not to pay it. The trial of Nika Gvaramia and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze is currently underway.
The implications of this move are far-reaching, with Tsilosani warning that it could harm the state and undermine the rule of law. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the opposition’s refusal to pay bail has sparked a major controversy in Georgia, with tensions running high between government officials and opposition politicians.
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