Opposition Leader Zurab Japaridze Placed in Pretrial Detention After Refusing Bail
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, May 23, 2025
Tbilisi City Court has ordered Zurab Girchi Japaridze, the leader of the Girchi-More Freedom party, into pretrial detention after he refused to pay bail related to a contempt of parliament charge. Japaridze had defied a summons issued by the Georgian Dream-led parliament's temporary investigative committee, which is probing actions of the former United National Movement government.
The hearing was held under heavy security, both inside and outside the courthouse. Anticipation of Japaridze's imprisonment had drawn public and diplomatic attention, though citizens were not allowed into the court's courtyard. At times, tensions rose. Two individuals were reportedly detained during the proceedings. Journalists were also restricted, with TV crews kept out of the court building. A few managed to broadcast using mobile phones.
Inside the small courtroom, which could hold only about 15 people, three diplomats were present-two from the Czech and Swedish embassies, and one representative from Amnesty International. Diplomats from the German and U.S. embassies reportedly arrived at the court but were unable to enter due to space limitations. The hearing lasted over three hours.
Judge Irakli Shvangiradze granted the prosecution's request for pretrial detention after Japaridze refused to pay the 20,000 GEL bail that had been imposed on April 16. Japaridze, echoing the stance of much of the opposition, said he does not recognize the current parliament, which he views as illegitimate due to the disputed October 26, 2024 elections.
Other opposition figures have faced similar charges. Nika Gvaramia and Nika Melia, leaders of the Ahali party, have announced they will also refuse to pay bail, suggesting they too could soon be detained. Just last week, the court placed former defense minister Irakli Okruashvili in pretrial detention under similar circumstances.
In contrast, some opposition leaders have complied. Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze of the Lelo party have already paid their bail. Giorgi Vashadze of Strategy Aghmashenebeli stated he plans to do the same. Investigations into their failure to appear before the parliamentary commission are ongoing.
Under Georgian law, failing to comply with a temporary investigative committee's summons is a criminal offense that can result in a fine or up to one year in prison.
