The verdict in Zurab Japaridze's case will be announced on June 23

The verdict in the case of Zurab Girchi Japaridze, a leader of the "Coalition for Change," will be announced on June 23.

As Judge Jvabe Nachkebia stated, the court will give Japaridze another opportunity to deliver a final statement.

Japaridze did not attend today’s hearing.

As his lawyer, Irakli Chomakhidze, explained at the start of the court session, Japaridze called him and stated that he does not trust the court, noting that this same judge had made the decision to detain Nika Gvaramia, and thus he had no expectation of an impartial verdict.

During today’s hearing, the defense challenged the prosecution’s evidence, after which both sides delivered their closing statements.

According to the prosecution, this case and Japaridze’s actions are a clear example of disregarding the rule of law.

Prosecutor Natia Tatiashvili stated that Japaridze frequently expressed, through "Interpressnews" and "Tabula," his intention not to attend the commission’s session. Additionally, she noted that the politician posted on social media, using inappropriate language, that he would not appear at the session.

The prosecutor argued that Japaridze deliberately and on principle, due to subjective beliefs, failed to fulfill a legal obligation.

However, Japaridze’s lawyer, Irakli Chomakhidze, stated that the legitimacy of the parliamentary temporary investigative commission is in question, which is why they sought to question Tea Tsulukiani. According to the lawyer, more than half of the commission should consist of opposition party representatives, which is not the case.

Furthermore, Chomakhidze argued that while the prosecutor accuses Japaridze of not attending the commission for political reasons, the commission itself was created for political purposes.

Chomakhidze clarified that they had no expectation that the court would issue an acquittal or terminate the case and refer it to the Constitutional Court with the question of whether the commission was legitimate under the regulations.

Chomakhidze also urged the judge not to consider a penalty restricting Japaridze from holding office, as he is a political party leader, and such a penalty would constitute gross interference in his political activities.

Representatives from the German and Polish embassies attended the court session.

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 pertains to “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. As a result, he was detained in the courtroom on May 22.