**Lawyers Walk Out of Court in Protest**
In a dramatic turn of events, the lawyers representing Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, a prominent figure in Georgia’s Coalition for Change, stormed out of the courtroom in protest. This latest development occurred after they once again requested a change of courtroom, only to be denied by Judge Irakli Shvangiradze.
The tense exchange between the lawyers and the judge was evident as Nika Gvaramia, one of Japaridze’s lawyers, took issue with the judge’s decision. “You are not a judge,” she bluntly told him. The judge, seemingly taken aback by this rebuke, warned that their actions would be considered a sign of disrespect to the court.
However, Gvaramia remained unapologetic, retorting that if the judge wanted to take disciplinary action, he could fine them. The exchange escalated with Judge Shvangiradze ordering the lawyers to leave the courtroom, only for Gvaramia to respond that it was actually the judge who would be forced to depart.
**Key Players Take Stance**
Zurab Japaridze himself also weighed in on the situation, stating that he needed a lawyer to represent him. He expressed concerns about submitting motions on his own behalf and requested the court’s assistance in securing legal counsel.
The judge, seemingly taken aback by the lawyers’ departure, retired from the courtroom to deliberate on the next course of action. This includes considering whether the hearing would continue without Japaridze having a lawyer or if a public defender would be appointed to represent him.
**Analysis and Commentary**
This incident highlights the deep-seated tensions between the Coalition for Change and the judiciary in Georgia. The lawyers’ decision to leave the courtroom in protest underscores their frustration with the court’s handling of the case. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation, further straining relationships between key players.
As the court deliberates on whether to appoint a public defender or continue the hearing without legal representation, it remains to be seen how this will impact the overall proceedings. One thing is certain: the dynamics at play in this case have reached a critical point, with no easy resolution in sight.
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