Norway Accuses Georgian Government of “Unprecedented Attack on Democracy”

Norway Accuses Georgian Government of “Unprecedented Attack on Democra...

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

EU Officials Condemn Arrest of Georgian Opposition Leaders as Threat t...

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.

Giorgi Vashadze Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison

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.

UK Minister Urges Georgian Dream to End Repression and Release Politic...

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.

Tbilisi City Court sentences Lelo's Khazaradze to eight months in pris...

Additionally, the court imposed a two-year ban on Khazaradze holding public office. Judge Zviad Sharadze announced the verdict; Khazaradze did not attend the hearing.The case was referred to the Prosecutor’s Office on March 25 after Khazaradze refused to appear before the Temporary Investigative Commission tasked with examining the activities of the regime and political officials from 2003 to 2012. He was formally indicted on April 1. As a preventive measure, he paid a bail of GEL 50,000 within the legally prescribed timeframe.A verdict is also expected today in the case of Lelo co-leader Badri Japaridze, who was similarly ordered to pay a bail of GEL 50,000.In response to the ruling, Khazaradze stated that no form of intimidation would deter his political movement.“We may face different decisions or even imprisonment today, but regardless of the outcome, I want to send a clear message to Bidzina Ivanishvili: neither I nor my team are afraid of you. This is a fight for the future of our country — for freedom, for integration with the democratic world, and not with the countries whose leaders your so-called Prime Minister attends funerals for.We entered politics to stand against injustice. For five years, they’ve been trying to imprison us with a 12-year sentence. We did not leave the country then, and we will not leave now.The fight continues. Our team is ready. We will see this through to the end. I also want to express my solidarity with Zura Japaridze — our friend and comrade-in-arms. No matter where we are, we will keep fighting. The only way forward for this country is to free it from occupation once and for all — and we will do it,” Khazaradze stated.