Georgian opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze sentenced to eight months in prison

A Tbilisi court has sentenced Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the opposition party Lelo – Strong Georgia, to eight months in prison for failing to comply with a summons from a parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes under the United National Movement government between 2003-2012. 

Judge Zviad Sharadze also ruled that Khazaradze will be barred from holding public office for two years.

Khazaradze did not attend the court session at which the verdict was announced and was not given the opportunity to make a final statement.

He was charged under Article 349 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which penalises failure to comply with the request of a temporary investigative commission of Parliament. The charge allows for punishment in the form of a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or a temporary ban on holding office.

Ahead of the ruling, both Khazaradze and his political ally Badri Japaridze denounced the proceedings as politically motivated. At a press briefing, Japaridze said “this is a politically motivated case against Mamuka and me. The goal is to break our resistance. This is not an investigative commission; it is a one-party punitive machine targeting its political opponents. The whole world knows this.”

Khazaradze echoed this sentiment, calling the parliamentary commission illegitimate and accusing it of serving political interests rather than justice.

“I do not intend to participate in the work of an illegitimate commission because this parliament is illegitimate,” he said.

“There is no force that will slow down our determination, our spirit, or our struggle. This fight is for the future of our country, for freedom, for integration with the free world.”

He also reaffirmed his intention to remain in Georgia and continue political activity.

“You chased us for five years to sentence us to 12 years in prison. We have not left the country, and we are not going to now. The fight will continue.”

Khazaradze also expressed solidarity with fellow opposition leader Zurab Japaridze, who was also sentenced to prison earlier this month for refusing to appear before the same commission.