TBILISI, DFWatch–Three oppsition figures are currently in pre-trial detention, raising concerns about the political situation ahead of the local elections scheduled for October 4.
The three jailed opposition politicians are Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia, and Nika Gvaramia. All three are from the opposition coalition “For Change” – one of four election alliances that took part in the elections for parliament in October, 2024.
The charges stem from their refusal to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission. All three had previously been released on bail, but refused to pay the court-mandated amounts, prompting judges to order their detention. Gvaramia voluntarily surrendered, while Melia and Japaridze were detained in court.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of one year, suggesting the trio will likely remain in custody through the elections. Their arrest has sparked criticism from international observers, with some warning that the move undermines democratic norms in the country.
The 2024 parliamentary election was disputed, with most of the opposition rejecting the result as falsified and the then president Salome Zourabichvili joining the ranks of protesters.
The four opposition blocs jointly rejected the election results. All of them refused to let their delegates take up their seats in the parliament, demaning to hold new elections. However, the opposition is divided on the question of whether to take part in the local elections in October.
The three who are jailed from the coalition “For Change” support boycotting the upcoming elections. Analysts suggest their detention is unlikely to shift public opinion significantly but may further damage Georgia’s international image.
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