"The arrest of Irakli Okruashvili in the courtroom and the replacement of his bail with detention is a dangerous precedent that will further damage the country’s image and lead to democratic backsliding," – stated Paata Davitaia, Chairman of the European Democrats party.

According to him, a less severe measure could have been applied in Okruashvili’s case.

“This precedent will be perceived as political persecution, democratic regression, and will significantly worsen relations with our partners, which will put the country in a difficult situation,” – said Davitaia in a comment released by the party’s press service.