Prepared by Messenger Staff
Opposition leader Zurab Japaridze declines early parole, citing refusal to cooperate with 'Russian regime'
Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition Girchi-More Freedom party, has refused an offer of early release on parole, saying he does not intend to cooperate with what he calls a "Russian style regime." Japaridze has been held since May 22 and is serving a seven month sentence handed down on June 23 for refusing to testify before a temporary parliamentary commission controlled by the ruling party. He is scheduled to complete his term on December 22 but became eligible for parole this week.
According to a statement posted on his official Facebook page on November 20, "Today, he was offered the opportunity to exercise this right. However, since he does not consider cooperating with the Russian style regime in any form, Zurab Japaridze firmly refused."
Japaridze is one of eight opposition figures who received jail terms after declining to appear before the commission investigating alleged offenses by former officials. The sentences ranged from one to several months. Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze were pardoned by disputed President Mikheil Kavelashvili ahead of the boycotted October 4 municipal elections, while others including Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Givi Targamadze, Giorgi Vashadze and Japaridze remain behind bars.
The authorities have recently added more serious accusations against several of the imprisoned politicians. Japaridze is now facing charges of sabotage and aiding a foreign country in hostile activities, crimes that carry a possible sentence of seven to fifteen years. Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze have been granted bail set at one million lari, while the court has scheduled a December 25 hearing to determine pretrial measures for the remaining defendants.
Tbilisi police detain 13 during march supporting jailed protester
Thirteen people were detained in Tbilisi during a night rally on November 19 held in support of jailed protester Mate Devidze, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials said the individuals refused to follow police instructions and verbally insulted officers who were carrying out their duties.
Protesters walked from Tbilisi State University to Parliament. Police escorted the group and prevented it from disrupting traffic. Tensions rose in several side streets where officers detained participants, including university lecturer Ketevan Khuskivadze.
The march marked the anniversary of the arrest of Devidze, 21, who was sentenced in June to four and a half years in prison for allegedly assaulting police during the post election unrest of November 2024. His supporters say the charges are politically motivated.
The Interior Ministry urged the public to avoid illegal behavior and stated that anyone who violates the law will be identified and face appropriate measures.
Demonstrations linked to Georgia's halted EU accession process are nearing one year. The Georgian Dream party paused the effort in late November 2024, sparking near daily gatherings around Parliament. Protesters had blocked Rustaveli Avenue for more than 330 days until new legislation made blocking traffic an offense that can lead to immediate imprisonment. Police now restrict access to the avenue, although nightly marches continue in nearby streets.
