As Mariam Lashkhi said, “This wasn’t about a slap, pain, or redness, it was about her attitude toward the institution, and that’s why she was held accountable.” 2/2

specifically, sharing information on how the government helped Russia evade sanctions and providing lists of individuals to be sanctioned. 2/2

This privilege stems from the fact that they chose to participate in the boycotted local elections, after which they were released, unlike other opposition leaders who remained in custody.

For Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, leaders of the Lelo Party, prosecutors are requesting bail instead of pre-trial detention.

For context: most of the arrested political leaders were about to be released after serving their sentences for refusing to participate in the so-called parliamentary commission. The regime introduced these new charges to ensure they remain imprisoned and don’t walk free.

-crimes against the state,
-sabotage,
-aiding hostile activities of a foreign country,
-financing actions against Georgia’s constitutional order and national security, and
-calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order or government. 3/3

According to the Prosecutor General’s statement, investigations have been initiated against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze on charges of:

2/3

They are believed to be allies of former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili, who is also under investigation. Gabunia is the third person linked to Liluashvili to be arrested. 2/2

At the same time, they will be barred from holding leadership positions in constitutional bodies, joining other political parties, or donating to any political organization. 4/

If a political party is banned, its members and individuals associated with it will lose their passive electoral rights, meaning they will no longer be eligible for election to positions such as seats in Parliament or local councils. 3/

According to Shalva Papuashvili, there are other parties closely linked to those being banned, including Droa, Girchi – MF, European Georgia, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, The Federalists, and others,but since “they have no prospect of crossing the threshold,” the ruling party is not banning them. Yet.2/

If enforced, the law could disenfranchise around 800,000 voters who supported opposition parties in the 2024 elections, effectively allowing GD to eliminate political competition and criminalize dissent. 4/4

enabling arbitrary and politically motivated persecution. The organizations argue that the legislation violates Georgia’s Constitution, international human rights standards, and the principles of political pluralism. 3/4

The statement highlights that the amendments were rushed through in just three days, lack clear legal definitions, and grant unconstitutional powers to the Constitutional Court. The CSOs warn that the vague term “associated persons” could apply to anyone 2/4

If enforced, the law could disenfranchise around 800,000 voters who supported opposition parties in the 2024 elections, effectively allowing GD to eliminate political competition and criminalize dissent. 4/4

enabling arbitrary and politically motivated persecution. The organizations argue that the legislation violates Georgia’s Constitution, international human rights standards, and the principles of political pluralism. 3/4