Georgia sentences 4 politicians in widening opposition crackdown

Four Georgian opposition leaders were sentenced to jail on Monday and Tuesday for refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission launched by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is tightening its grip on power.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said Monday that the sentences were “not proportional” and that Georgia’s justice system appeared to be part of a “repression machine.”

The parliamentary commission was set up to investigate alleged crimes by the former government of the United National Movement party, now in opposition. The UNM disputes the legitimacy of the parliament, alleging that the ruling GD party rigged last October’s election, an accusation GD denies. 

Although none of the opposition leaders convicted so far held office in the previous Georgian government, they were summoned to testify and prosecuted for refusing. 

All four — Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, Zurab Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze — received seven to eight months in jail and two-year bans from holding public office.

Kallas said Monday that the EU was considering sanctions against the judges who imposed these sentences and that it will revisit the issue in July.

“We stand ready to consider further restrictive measures on those who are responsible,” Kallas said.  

More opposition leaders are awaiting their sentences for refusing to testify. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Monday that everyone defying parliamentary summons “will go to jail.”