Georgian opposition leader Khazaradze summoned for second time by parliamentary commission

Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the opposition party Lelo – Strong Georgia, has been summoned for a second time by the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament, which is looking into alleged crimes under the previous United National Movement Government and beyond. 

The commission is seeking his testimony regarding alleged actions "to the detriment of Georgia’s foreign policy goals" between 2012 and 2025.

Khazaradze announced the summons on social media on Tuesday, claiming he had no intention of attending the session scheduled for 30 June at 10:30.

“I have been summoned again to the illegitimate commission of the illegitimate parliament… I am not going to come!” he wrote, accusing the authorities of violating the constitution and using the process for political persecution. “The fight with the Russian regime will be to the end,” he added.

This marks the second time the opposition leader has defied a summons from the commission. He was previously called to testify on 25 March but did not appear. As a result, Khazaradze was charged under Article 349 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which penalises failure to comply with a request from a parliamentary investigative body. The charge carries potential penalties ranging from a fine to up to one year in prison or a ban on holding public office for up to three years.