Georgian court hands opposition head seven-month jail term Bans public office for two years

The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the opposition party Strategy Aghmashenebeli, to seven months in prison for failing to comply with the requirements of the parliamentary temporary investigative commission. 

The temporary investigative commission, established on February 5, 2025, is tasked with investigating crimes committed by political officials during the United National Movement's rule from 2003 to 2012, as well as the actions of former and current officials after joining the opposition, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

According to the law, failure to appear before the commission is punishable.

In addition to the prison sentence, Vashadze was banned from holding any public office for two years. The Tbilisi City Court announced this decision on Tuesday, 24 June. Vashadze was absent from the court hearing.

During the United National Movement’s rule, Vashadze served as Deputy Minister of Justice of Georgia.

On the same day, the court is also expected to issue a verdict regarding former Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili.

By Tamilla Hasanova