Zurab Japaridze, leader of the Girchi - More Freedom party, has left the Rustavi N12 penitentiary facility after completing a seven-month prison sentence. Japaridze was imprisoned for refusing to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani parliamentary investigative commission.
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The opposition politician said that he was released from prison at 8 a.m. He was only wearing a T-shirt, without a coat. Family members and supporters were unable to meet him outside the prison.
“A few days ago, I asked exactly what time they would release me, and they said I should be ready by 10:30 a.m. However, today I was released at 8 a.m. They didn't explain anything; they simply told me to pack everything and leave. I had nothing to pack. I was wearing a T-shirt. They were supposed to give me a coat yesterday, but they wouldn’t allow it in because it was too thick and didn't meet the standards. So, they let me out in a T-shirt at eight in the morning. There was no one outside; it was empty, and for about an hour, maybe 40 minutes, I couldn't contact anyone to tell them that I was already outside,” said Zurab Japaridze.
On June 23, 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Jvebe Nachkebia convicted Zurab Japaridze of failing to comply with the demands of the temporary investigative commission established by the Georgian Dream parliament. Japaridze was sentenced to 7 months in prison. Additionally, he was barred from holding public office for 2 years.
Other opposition leaders were also detained for failing to appear before the Tsulukiani commission: Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Badri Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Giorgi Vashadze, as well as Givi Targamadze, a member of the United National Movement, and Irakli Okruashvili, a former Defence Minister. Georgian Dream President Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze ahead of the election, arguing that their political party, Lelo - Strong Georgia, was participating in the local elections.
The Georgian Dream Prosecutor General's Office has initiated a new case against Zurab Japaridze and other detained politicians. In early November, criminal proceedings were launched against them for crimes against the constitutional order and national security foundations.
