Incumbent Tbilisi mayor calls presidential pardons of opposition figures a ‘humane act’

Incumbent Tbilisi’s mayor and ruling party Secretary General, Kakha Kaladze, has described President Mikheil Kavelashvili’s recent decision to pardon two opposition leaders as a “humane act”.

The president earlier on Friday pardoned Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, leaders of the Strong Georgia coalition and founders of the Lelo party, who had been serving prison sentences for rejecting a parliamentary investigation commission on alleged crimes under the previous United National Movement government. 

Speaking to reporters, Kaladze said the move was not about political legitimacy but about ensuring fairness in the electoral process.

“Their pardon has nothing to do with legitimacy - legitimacy is given by the Georgian people during parliamentary elections,” the mayor said. “The president made a decision to free political party leaders who are participating in the [October 4 local] elections.”

He recalled that the president had previously signalled he would take steps toward political figures engaged in the electoral process.

Kaladze further stressed that everyone, “regardless of status, must respect the law.”

 “There should be more respect toward state institutions. Political activity cannot serve as a shield against crime,” he said.

The pardons come just weeks before local elections, with President Kavelashvili insisting his decision was aimed at preventing claims that the vote was being held under restricted competition.