Prepared by Messenger Staff
Parliamentary Commission to Reissue Summonses to Jailed Opposition Leaders
Thea Tsulukiani, Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Investigative Commission, announced that new notices will be sent to imprisoned opposition leaders Nika Gvaramia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Giorgi Vashadze, inviting them to participate remotely in the commission's proceedings. According to Tsulukiani, if they fail to attend again, their cases may be referred to the Prosecutor's Office on Monday, June 30.
"We are resending notices today to all three of them," she said during a plenary session, emphasizing that the summonses had previously been issued while the individuals were still free. "This time, we are offering remote participation."
Tsulukiani explained that two factors would determine their appearance: cooperation from the Penitentiary Service and the prisoners' willingness. She expressed confidence in the Justice Ministry's support but noted that participation cannot be forced. "If a prisoner refuses to leave their cell, they will not be brought out by force. That dark era is behind us."
If the individuals decline to attend again, Tsulukiani said new cases may be sent to the Prosecutor's Office. However, she acknowledged that sentences are generally absorbed rather than added. However, she pointed out that repeated offenses could influence judicial decisions.
The commission has scheduled a second round of questioning for Gvaramia, Khazaradze, and Vashadze on June 30. In addition, former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia was summoned for questioning on July 2.
"We have questions for Giorgi Gakharia related to his international activities between 2012 and 2025," Tsulukiani said, adding that his appearance carries both legal and political weight. "Non-appearance, in this context, equates to political demise."
Nika Gvaramia was detained on June 13, Mamuka Khazaradze on June 23, and Giorgi Vashadze on June 24 for failing to appear before the commission.
Poet Zviad Ratiani Sent to Pretrial Detention Following Protest Arrest
Tbilisi City Court has ordered the pretrial detention of Georgian poet Zviad Ratiani, who was arrested during a protest outside Parliament on June 23. Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili granted the prosecution's request for imprisonment as a preventive measure, rejecting the defense's request to release Ratiani on ten thousand GEL bail.
The prosecutor's office argued that Ratiani may commit a new offense, influence witnesses, or attempt to flee. He has been charged with assaulting a police officer under Part One of Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of four to seven years.
Speaking at the hearing, Ratiani rejected the allegations and addressed the court directly.
"There was a claim that I might flee, influence witnesses, or commit another crime," he said. "As for fleeing, I will not leave this place for even a second before going to court. I will not hide anywhere. I need to be on Rustaveli Street every evening. Since my imprisonment is approaching, I must take care of my work."
Ratiani also said the threat of witness influence should apply to him as a victim rather than as an accused, as all witnesses in the case are police officers.
