Petras Auštrevičius on the arrest of Zurab Japaridze: yet another shameful example of political persecution in Georgia!

"Another shameful example of political persecution in Georgia!" – This is how MEP Petras Auštrevičius responded to the arrest of Zurab Japaridze.

"Another shameful example of political persecution in Georgia! Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the 'Coalition for Change,' refused to cooperate with the so-called 'parliamentary committee' of the Georgian Dream regime, and he was arrested and placed in pre-trial detention," Auštrevičius wrote.

Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, a member of the “Coalition for Change,” had his previously imposed 20,000 GEL bail replaced with pre-trial detention. The decision was made by Judge Irakli Shvangiradze of the Tbilisi City Court, granting the prosecution's request. Japaridze was handcuffed directly in the courtroom.

The case concerns an investigation and charges related to failure to comply with a lawful request by the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament of Georgia. Japaridze did not appear before the commission, after which he was summoned to testify before a magistrate judge and was officially charged. The Tbilisi City Court initially set bail at 20,000 GEL as a preventive measure.

For context, the investigation is being conducted under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which refers to "failure to comply with the request of the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament of Georgia." The offense is punishable by a fine or up to one year of imprisonment, and/or disqualification from holding office or engaging in professional activities for up to three years.