The verdict in the case of Zurab Girchi Japaridze, leader of the "Coalition for Change," concerning his failure to comply with the demands of a parliamentary temporary investigative commission, may be announced today, June 17.
The hearing is scheduled at Tbilisi City Court at 11:00 AM.
During today’s court session, the defense will challenge the prosecution’s evidence, after which both sides will deliver closing statements. The judge, Jvabe Nachkebia, will then retire to deliberate on the verdict.
If a verdict is issued today, Japaridze would become the first opposition politician convicted for non-compliance with a parliamentary temporary investigative commission’s demands.
For context, Zurab Girchi Japaridze was summoned to provide explanations to the parliamentary temporary investigative commission but did not appear. He faces charges under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which addresses “failure to comply with the demands of a parliamentary temporary investigative commission.” This offense is punishable by a fine, up to one year of imprisonment, or a ban from holding office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years.
Japaridze was ordered to pay a 20,000 GEL bail as a preventive measure, which he did not pay. Consequently, he was detained in the courtroom on May 22.
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