**Opposition Leader Fined for Refusing to Appear Before Parliament**
A court in Tbilisi today ordered opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze to pay a fine of GEL 50,000 (about USD 18,200) for refusing to appear before the parliament’s investigative commission. The commission is looking into alleged crimes committed by the previous government.
Khazaradze, who is the leader of the Lelo party, said he does not recognize the legitimacy of the current parliament and its commission. He made it clear that he would not give in to their demands.
Another opposition leader, Badri Japaridze, also refused to appear before the commission. If convicted, he could face a fine or even up to a year in prison.
**Opposition Continues to Boycott Parliament’s Work**
The opposition has been boycotting the work of the parliament’s investigative commission since it was set up. The commission is looking into alleged crimes committed by the previous government and has now extended its mandate to cover the current period.
Today, the commission summoned three more opposition leaders to appear before them. However, they are unlikely to show up as they do not recognize the legitimacy of the one-party parliament.
**Parliament’s Plan to Ban Opposition Parties**
The ruling party plans to use the final report of the investigative commission to ban opposition parties, including the main pro-European forces. This move is likely to be met with resistance from the opposition and could lead to further tensions in the country.
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