Zurab Girchi Japaridze's Trial Adjourned Until June 23
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
The trial of Zurab Girchi Japaridze, leader of the opposition coalition Coalition for Change, was held on Monday at the Tbilisi City Court, where proceedings continued over his refusal to appear before the parliamentary investigative commission led by Tea Tsulukiani.
Japaridze did not attend the session. His lawyer, Irakli Chomakhashvili, explained that his client had no intention of participating in what he considers a politically biased and legally flawed trial. "He [Japaridze] does not want to participate in the process or have the final say," Chomakhashvili said in court. "The reason for his failure to appear is precisely that he does not trust the court. He told me that this judge jailed Nika Gvaramia, and he does not believe a fair decision will be made."
The defense presented its case, and the lawyer declared that the evidence submitted by the prosecution was now undisputed. Both sides delivered their closing arguments, after which Judge Jvebe Nachkebia adjourned the session until June 23. The judge stated that Japaridze would be given one final opportunity to appear in court and speak before the verdict is announced.
In remarks to the press, Chomakhashvili criticized the delay, stating that the defense had already notified the court of Japaridze's unwillingness to attend. "We were ready to complete the hearing today, but for reasons unknown to us, the court postponed it. We don't understand why, especially when our position has been clear from the beginning," he told the newspaper Publica.
Prosecutor Natia Tatiashvili called for a strict and proportional sentence, although she did not specify whether the prosecution is seeking imprisonment or a fine. "The court should determine a punishment that reflects the seriousness of the violation," she said. "This includes the willful disregard for the rule of law and the accused's consistent defiance of legal procedures, starting from the issuance of the indictment to his statements and actions in the courtroom."
Under the current charges - refusal to comply with a summons from a temporary investigative commission - Japaridze could face a fine or up to one year in prison, as outlined in Georgian criminal law.
Japaridze was initially released on bail, but after refusing to pay, the court ordered pretrial detention. He was arrested in the courtroom on May 22 and remains in custody. The case has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers, with some framing it as a test of judicial independence amid ongoing political tensions in the country.
The commission that Japaridze refused to appear before was established by the ruling Georgian Dream party to investigate alleged misconduct and abuse of power by previous governments. Opposition figures have criticized the body as politically motivated and legally questionable.
The next hearing on June 23 is expected to be the final session, with both sides permitted to give additional remarks before a verdict is issued.
