Constitutional Court judge expels opposition representatives from hearing

Constitutional Court judge Revaz Nadaraia has expelled Nika Gvaramia and Maia Kopaleishvili, representatives of the Coalition for Change, from a hearing on the possible banning of opposition parties.

The judge first ordered Gvaramia to leave after he interrupted a statement by ruling party MP Archil Gorduladze, who had said that Murtaz Zodelava was linked to the United National Movement.

Gvaramia disputed the claim, saying Zodelava had never been a member of the party and arguing that an association based on having studied together was not grounds for prosecution.

Nadaraia said he had warned Gvaramia several times before ordering his removal from the courtroom.

Kopaleishvili then protested the judge’s decision and was also expelled.

Addressing the judge, she accused him of treating the court proceedings as a demonstration of power rather than protecting constitutional rights. She said she would file a motion challenging her removal, arguing that her right to participate in the proceedings had been restricted.