Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili announced the decision at Tbilisi City Court earlier today.Okruashvili did not attend the hearing. According to a letter from the Penitentiary Service, the defendant had no desire to participate in the proceedings.
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“Earlier, on June 13, 2025, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.We are deeply concerned about the growing tension in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to regional security. We underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of stability.On June 26, 2025, the Iranian Embassy sent an official note to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the opening of a book of condolences at the Embassy. A corresponding entry was made in the book of condolences opened in Tbilisi regarding the deaths of Iranian citizens,” the statement reads.
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Lashkhi replaces Givi Mikanadze, who was appointed Minister of Education and Science.Lashkhi was nominated for the position of head of the committee by the Georgian Dream faction. The Parliament will approve Mariam Lashkhi in her new position at today's plenary session.
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Kobakhidze emphasized Mikanadze’s extensive experience in education and science, as well as his strong academic background, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the ministry effectively.The Prime Minister also thanked outgoing Minister Aleksandre Tsuladze, who officially resigned earlier the same day, for his contributions to the sector.
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The ruling comes under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes non-cooperation with a parliamentary commission. The charge can lead to a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or restriction of official or professional activity for up to three years.Gvaramia had been summoned to testify before the commission but did not appear. Although he was granted bail of 30,000 GEL, he failed to pay within the legal time frame, resulting in the bail being replaced with pre-trial detention and now a formal prison sentence. He was absent from the courtroom during the verdict and did not deliver a final statement.Gvaramia is the latest in a series of opposition politicians punished for refusing to appear before what is widely referred to as the Tsulukiani Commission. Others recently sentenced include:Mamuka Khazaradze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsBadri Japaridze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsNika Melia (Coalition for Change) – 8 monthsGiorgi Vashadze (Strategy Builder) – 7 monthsZurab Japaridze (Coalition for Change) – 7 monthsGivi Targamadze – 7 monthsIrakli Okruashvili (former Defense Minister) – arrested May 14; sentence pending These developments mark an escalation in legal action against key opposition leaders and have sparked renewed concerns over the political climate in Georgia.
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The verdict was announced just a short while ago. Givi Targamadze did not attend the court session.Givi Targamadze was summoned to appear before Parliament’s temporary investigative commission on April 3 but failed to show up.He was charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which covers “failure to comply with the request of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament.”The Tbilisi City Court imposed a GEL 10,000 bail as a preventive measure in the case concerning Targamadze’s failure to appear before the investigative commission, which he paid within the legally stipulated timeframe.
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In a statement published on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Norway expressed serious concern over the political climate in Georgia, urging the authorities to respect fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.“Norway calls for the release of those unjustly detained and for an end to the repression of civil society, free media, and freedom of speech in Georgia,” the ministry stated. The recent arrests of several opposition leaders in Georgia represent an unprecedented attack on Georgia's democracy.Norway calls for the release of those unjustly imprisoned, and an end to repressive actions against civil society, free media, and freedom of speech in Georgia. — Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) June 25, 2025 The criticism comes amid a wave of arrests of opposition leaders who failed to appear before the so-called “Tsulukiani Commission”, a parliamentary body set up to investigate alleged foreign influence and “anti-state activities.”A total of seven prominent political figures have been detained in recent weeks, including current and former leaders of major opposition parties: Giorgi Vashadze (Strategy Agmashenebeli) – arrested June 24, sentenced to 7 months Mamuka Khazaradze (Strong Georgia) – arrested June 23, sentenced to 8 months Badri Japaridze (Strong Georgia) – arrested June 23, sentenced to 8 months Nika Gvaramia (Coalition for Change) – arrested June 13, sentence not disclosed Nika Melia (Coalition for Change) – arrested May 29, sentence not disclosed Zurab Japaridze (Coalition for Change) – arrested May 22, sentence not disclosed Irakli Okruashvili (former Minister of Defense) – arrested May 14, sentence not disclosed
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EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Koss described the arrests as “an attack on Georgia's democratic foundations, which are eroding day by day,” in a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).“I stand with those fighting for a free and pluralistic society in Georgia and call on the Georgian authorities to release all journalists, activists and unjustly detained individuals,” Koss wrote.Echoing her concerns, Anita Hipper, the EU’s Chief Spokesperson for Foreign and Security Policy, said the detentions reflect a politically motivated crackdown that contradicts the values expected of a country pursuing EU candidate status.“Georgia: Politically motivated prosecution and detention of opposition leaders goes against basic democratic values,” Hipper posted. “This is an authoritarian tactic—the opposite of what is expected from an EU candidate country. Georgian Dream must stop using the justice system as a weapon.”The criticism comes in response to the June 23 arrest of two opposition leaders, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, founders of the Strong Georgia party. They were sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from holding public office for two years for failing to appear before the parliamentary “Tsulukiani Commission.”In total, seven opposition leaders have now been detained in connection with the commission, including: Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Strategy Builder, Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, Nika Melia, and Nika Gvaramia from the Coalition for Change, Givi Targamadze, veteran opposition figure, Irakli Okruashvili, former Minister of Defense.The wave of arrests has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups, international observers, and the diplomatic community, particularly as Georgia faces increasing scrutiny over its democratic trajectory amid ongoing EU integration efforts.
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The ruling was delivered on June 24 by Judge Nino Galustashvili, despite a request from Vashadze’s legal team to postpone the session so the defendant could deliver a final statement. Vashadze did not attend the court hearing and instead awaited the verdict at his party’s headquarters, where he was joined by political allies and Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili.The charges stem from Vashadze’s failure to appear before the Temporary Investigative Commission established by the ruling Georgian Dream party. He was prosecuted under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes noncompliance with such a summons and carries a sentence of up to one year in prison or a ban from public service for up to three years. Vashadze had previously posted 50,000 GEL bail, which was paid within the legal deadline.The verdict against Vashadze follows a wave of similar rulings targeting high-profile opposition leaders. On June 23, the court sentenced Lelo party leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze to eight months in prison, also banning them from holding office for two years. The two were detained outside their party office and handcuffed in public, prompting strong domestic and international criticism.Also sentenced on June 23 was Zurab Girchi Japaridze, leader of the “For Change” coalition, who received the same 7-month prison sentence and a two-year political disqualification.The coordinated sentencing of opposition figures has triggered concern among civil society organizations, with 40 NGOs recently warning that Georgia is "sliding toward authoritarianism." International voices, including UK Minister of State Stephen Dowty, have called for the immediate release of political prisoners and urged the ruling party to cease suppressing dissent.As more verdicts loom and protests intensify, observers warn that these developments could have a chilling effect on Georgia’s democratic institutions and further strain the country’s relationship with Western partners.
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In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dowty criticized the imprisonment of Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and Zurab Girchi Japaridze, labeling their detention a “step taken to block electoral competitors.”“The imprisonment of influential opposition politicians in Georgia for boycotting parliament is a step taken to block their competitors in the elections,” Dowty wrote.On June 23, Tbilisi City Court sentenced Lelo party leaders Khazaradze and Japaridze to 8 months in prison, along with a 2-year ban from holding public office. Both were detained outside their party headquarters and escorted in handcuffs.The same day, Zurab Japaridze, leader of the “For Change” coalition, was also sentenced to 7 months in prison and similarly barred from holding public office for two years. All three politicians were convicted for refusing to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission, established by the Georgian Dream majority and chaired by Vice Prime Minister Tea Tsulukiani.They were charged under Article 349 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which penalizes noncompliance with parliamentary commission requests and is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or disqualification from public office for up to three years.On June 24, the Tbilisi City Court is expected to deliver its verdict in the case of Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Strategy Agmashenebeli party. Vashadze, who also declined to appear before the same commission, has chosen not to attend the court hearing and will instead await the ruling at his party office, where opposition leaders and former President Salome Zurabishvili have gathered in solidarity.Vashadze, who faces identical charges, was released earlier on 50,000 GEL bail, which he paid on time.
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