Georgia’s opposition leaders face massive bail amid criminal charges

The leaders of the “Strong Georgia – Lelo” party, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, have been ordered to pay bail of 1 million lari each (approximately $370,300) in a new criminal case filed by the prosecution against the opposition figures. They have 30 days to pay the required amount.

According toOn 6 November, Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvaramidze stated at a briefing that criminal cases had been filed against eight opposition politicians – Mikheil Saakashvili, Zurab Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Elena Khoshtaria, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, Badri Japaridze, and Mamuka Khazaradze,  Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Some of them are accused of sabotage, others of assisting hostile activities of a foreign state, and some of inciting the overthrow of the government.

Charges against Georgian opposition politicians:

• Mikheil Saakashvili – charged under Article 317 of the Georgian Criminal Code for inciting the overthrow of state power, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

• Zurab Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze – charged under Article 318 (sabotage, 2–4 years in prison) and Article 319 (assisting the hostile activities of a foreign state, 7–15 years in prison).

• Elena Khoshtaria – charged under Article 318, Part 1 (sabotage, 2–4 years), Article 319 (assisting the hostile activities of a foreign state, 7–15 years), and Article 321 (financing or supporting activities aimed against the constitutional order, 6–10 years in prison).

• Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze – charged under Article 318 (sabotage, 2–4 years in prison).

The leaders of “Strong Georgia – Lelo,” Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, had been pardoned by Mikheil Kavelashvili in September. They had served 8-month prison sentences for failing to appear before the controversial investigative commission of the Georgian parliament.

The remaining six opposition politicians are currently in detention. The preliminary hearing for their case is scheduled for 25 December at 13:00.