The Prosecutor’s Office is seeking to replace the bail measure of 20,000 GEL imposed on Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, a member of the Coalition for Change, with pre-trial detention.

The motion was submitted by the prosecution after a recess was announced during the court session.

As case prosecutor Natia Tatishvili explained, Japaridze was fully aware of the potential legal consequences of his actions.

The case concerns an ongoing investigation and charges brought over failure to comply with the lawful request of the Georgian Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission. Japaridze did not appear before the commission, after which he was summoned to give testimony before a magistrate judge and was officially charged.

The Tbilisi City Court initially imposed 20,000 GEL bail as a preventive measure.

For reference, the investigation is being conducted under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to “non-compliance with the request of the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission.” The offense is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year, as well as a ban on holding office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.