The Head of the Patrol Police, Vazha Siradze, has explained the reason for the mobilization of police forces near Tbilisi City Court.

“There are various proceedings scheduled, and among them, there are also protest participants present at the location. In recent times, we all know very well that whenever there is any kind of gathering involving protest participants, police are always present. The number of officers deployed is in accordance with what is necessary to ensure safety,” said Siradze.

The court is scheduled to hold a hearing at 3:00 PM for Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, who is being tried for failing to appear before a temporary parliamentary investigative commission. A support rally for Japaridze is planned at 2:00 PM outside the court.

Zurab Japaridze has stated that he does not rule out his possible arrest.

For context, on April 16, the court imposed a 20,000 GEL bail on the opposition politician for failing to appear before the commission. Japaridze refused to pay the amount.

As a reminder, for non-payment of bail, the court converted bail into pretrial detention for former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who was arrested in the courtroom on May 14.