Opposition leader Gvaramia released after eight months in prison

Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, has left Rustavi’s No.12 penitentiary facility after serving eight months in custody.

Gvaramia had been sentenced for failing to appear before a temporary parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes under the previous United National Movement government.

Several other opposition figures were also detained on similar charges, including Nika Melia, Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Irakli Okruashvili, Givi Targamadze, Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze.

Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze were released on 4 September after being pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze and Givi Targamadze have also left Rustavi prison.