The Turkish side returned Zurab "Girchi" Japaridze—one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change—to Georgia today.

Zurab Japaridze was denied entry into Turkey yesterday and subsequently detained.

Notably, information regarding his detention was first reported by ALDE, after which Zurab Japaridze himself issued a statement on social media, revealing that he had been "banned from entering Turkey" (effective from November 2025).

"I was flying to Brussels today to participate in a leaders' summit at the invitation of 'Renew Europe.' I had to change airlines in Turkey. I was detained at the border.

As it was explained to me, I am banned from entering Turkey—a restriction in place since November 2025. They received information about me from official Georgian authorities. I am being sent back to Tbilisi tomorrow morning.

Unfortunately, I have missed the opportunity for some important meetings. Otherwise, there is nothing to worry about," writes Japaridze.