Jailed Georgian opposition leaders reject president's offer for pardon

Four opposition leaders in Georgia have rejected the pardon offer from President Mikheil Kavelashvili.

The President had earlier promised pardons if the party leaders formally requested them and agreed to participate in upcoming municipal elections, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The following are currently under arrest for failing to appear before a parliamentary commission that is tasked with investigating certain activities of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili’s administration: leaders of the “Coalition for Change” party Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, and Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze of the “Lelo for Georgia” party, and Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the “Strategy Aghmashenebeli” party.

However, Irakli Kupradze, one of the leaders of the “Lelo- Strong Georgia” coalition, announced the decision of the party to participate in the elections, as did two other opposition parties.

Local media outlets report that the rejection by the four parties is based on their non-recognition of the legitimacy of the parliament or the president. Former head of state Salome Zourabichvili had earlier urged opposition figures not to request a pardon.

By Nazrin Sadigova