**Leader of Opposition Coalition Questioned in Court**
Zurab Girchi Japaridze, a key figure in Georgia’s opposition movement, was summoned to court yesterday for questioning. Japaridze is one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, which has been at odds with the government over the legitimacy of the October 26 elections.
**Investigation into Electoral Dispute**
The case centers around an investigation launched under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which deals with failure to comply with a parliamentary commission’s request. Japaridze was questioned by a magistrate judge in the city court, and according to him, the main focus of the inquiry was his decision not to attend a session of the temporary investigative commission.
**Defiance over Election Results**
Japaridze has been vocal about his opposition to the current government, which he claims is illegitimate. He explained to the media after the questioning that he refuses to participate in what he considers a “circus” – a reference to the parliamentary commission’s session. Japaridze argued that no civilized country recognizes the results of the October 26 elections, and therefore, he would not legitimize the parliament or government formed by those results.
**Condemning the Government**
In his statement, Japaridze explicitly condemned the current government as a “usurper” imposed by Russia. He noted that only countries with ties to Russia, such as Venezuela and Nicaragua, recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity. Japaridze declared his solidarity with the Western world, freedom, and democracy, stating categorically that he would not participate in what he sees as a farce.
**Next Steps**
Japaridze is expected to be formally charged tomorrow, after which the court will consider imposing a preventive measure on him. This development has sparked concerns within the opposition movement about the government’s intentions and willingness to use the legal system to silence critics.
**What does this mean for Georgia?**
This incident reflects the deepening divide between the opposition coalition and the government over the legitimacy of the elections. The case against Japaridze is seen by many as an attempt to intimidate and silence opponents, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. As tensions rise in Georgia’s political landscape, this episode serves as a reminder that the country’s democratic credentials are under scrutiny.
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