Prepared by Messenger Staff
Authorities Freeze Bank Accounts of Droa Party and Elene Khoshtaria
The bank accounts of the opposition Droa party and its leader, Elene Khoshtaria, have been frozen by authorities over an unpaid GEL 50 court fee linked to a 2021 election appeal.
Khoshtaria criticized the freeze as politically motivated, calling it a "form of repression." She said the frozen account held only GEL 17 and confirmed that donations remain secure in a separate account. She also stated she will not pay the fee or appear in court.
"I will not take part in a system I fundamentally oppose," Khoshtaria said, reaffirming her stance against cooperation with the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The freeze came a day after Khoshtaria asked supporters on Facebook for donations, thanking them for previous contributions that supported protests and regional events. She said more funds were needed for planned actions in August.
In a similar move in March, authorities froze accounts tied to fundraising efforts that covered fines for protesters. Prosecutors said the funds were part of a broader criminal probe into sabotage and unrest.
Russia Sentences Georgian Citizen in Absentia for Fighting in Ukraine
A Russian court has sentenced Georgian citizen Zurab Karchava to six and a half years in prison in absentia for allegedly fighting in Ukraine as a mercenary, Russia's Investigative Committee announced on July 21. Karchava has been placed on an international wanted list.
According to the committee, Karchava joined a paramilitary unit in 2022 and took part in combat operations on the Ukrainian side. Authorities claim he followed orders from commanders and received payment for engaging in hostilities against Russian forces and those of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.
Karchava is the second Georgian citizen sentenced by Russia on similar charges. Earlier, Gela Eradze was sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison for allegedly participating in the war under similar circumstances.
