Georgian PM sets condition for pardoning protest convicts

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has set conditions for pardoning individuals convicted of crimes committed during protest rallies in Georgia.

Kobakhidze said the government’s position on the matter has been made clear repeatedly, noting the main condition is that the individuals admit guilt and repent for their actions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“We have publicly stated that where there is admission and repentance, there will be corresponding steps. We have repeatedly communicated this position to representatives of the Patriarchate, and our stance is very firm and clear,” he added.

According to Kobakhidze, repentance is needed not from a legal standpoint, but in order to prevent future crimes.

The Georgian prime minister also welcomed the opposition’s plans to hold a protest rally on Independence Day.

“Anyone can hold gatherings in our country. I think this is good — let them once again show their helpless face on May 26,” he emphasised.

Kobakhidze explained that organisers of the rally had been denied permission to install a stage near the parliament building because festive events are scheduled in the capital and the delivery of equipment would be difficult.

Georgia’s opposition coalition, the Opposition Alliance, says it will proceed with plans to stage a rally outside the parliament building in Tbilisi despite a ban imposed by City Hall.

One of the alliance’s leaders, Nika Gvaramia, announced that supporters would gather at 7:00 p.m. on May 26 near the first university building before marching to Rustaveli Avenue, the capital’s main political thoroughfare.

He said that the opposition would not comply with what he described as unlawful restrictions imposed by the authorities.

Gvaramia urged Georgian authorities to avoid escalation during the demonstration, noting that the situation was attracting international attention.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov