On May 22, Zurab Japaridzé, head of the “Girchi” party, was placed in pre-trial detention by the Tbilisi Court of Justice, after refusing to pay bail of 20,000 laris (around 7,000 Euros). Zurab Japaridzé had refused to attend a summons from the pseudo “Commission of Inquiry”, created by the Georgian Dream, to “investigate” the alleged “crimes” perpetrated by the National Movement when it was in power over 15 years ago! Zurab Japaridzé is challenging the legitimacy of the government set up by the Georgian Dream following the flawed elections of October 26, 2024.

His trial is taking place in a courtroom that can only hold 15 people, without cameras or any other public presence. Representatives of the US and German embassies were prevented from entering the courtroom. Other opposition leaders who do not recognize the legitimacy of the current government – in particular Nika Gvaramia and Nika Melia – may soon face the same sentence.
These attacks on democracy are part of a wider movement, with the declared aim of eradicating all opposition “before the end of the year”.