Opposition leader Khvichia questions motives as President pardons two Lelo leaders

Iago Khvichia, head of the libertarian Girchi party, has questioned President Mikheil Kavelashvili’s decision to pardon Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, leaders of the Strong Georgia coalition and founders of the Lelo party, but not other political figures.

Speaking with Front News, Khvichia said “I don’t understand what kind of motivation there could be to release some active politicians, leave others in prison, and keep people who are no longer in politics still serving sentences.”

The Girchi leader added that while clemency was the president’s prerogative, the decision appeared inconsistent.

He further cited former defence minister Irakli Okruashvili and former MP Givi Targamadze as examples of individuals who, despite no longer being active in politics, remained in prison for their refusal to participate in the work of a parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes under the previous United National Movement government. 

Khvichia said he welcomed the release of Khazaradze and Japaridze who were arrested earlier this year for rejecting the same commission but noted that one of them, Japaridze, “should not have been in prison at all”.

President Kavelashvili announced the pardons earlier on Friday, arguing the move would help ensure a competitive environment in the upcoming local elections scheduled for October 4.