Badri Japaridze Says Prosecutor and Court Refuse to Question Those Calling for His Criminal Case
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Badri Japaridze, one of the leaders of Lelo - Strong Georgia, spoke out after a court session, accusing the prosecutor's office and the court of refusing to interrogate the people who requested his criminal prosecution. He said that this refusal will once again reveal how the rule of law has been trampled.
Japaridze also criticized the temporary investigative commission created by the parliament, stating that it not only violates the Constitution but is also used for political revenge.
"I am glad that this session is being recorded so the public can see how it unfolded. This is a clear example of how the rule of law can be disregarded. Both the prosecutor's office and the judiciary are fully controlled by political will," Japaridze said.
He explained that Article 42 of the Constitution clearly states that at least fifty percent of the members of an investigative commission must be from opposition parties. However, the current investigative commission violates this requirement and is being used for political revenge against opponents.
"The Constitution included this rule to prevent one party from using the commission to target its opponents politically. We are now witnessing the use of this commission exactly for that purpose. The commission's formation and decision-making procedures are illegal," Japaridze said.
He also noted that the prosecutor's office and the court refused to summon as witnesses the individuals who requested his criminal prosecution. According to Japaridze, interrogating these people is very important because it would reveal how the rule of law is being undermined.
"The prosecutor's office deliberately avoids calling these witnesses, and the court agreed with this decision. All possible violations have been committed," he added.
