Lelo's Japaridze: So-called investigative commission violates constitution, serves political revenge

The Tbilisi City Court has decided to refer the case of Badri Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Lelo party, for substantive consideration. The court reviewed the admissibility of evidence in the case, in which Japaridze is accused of failing to comply with a request from the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission. At the hearing, Japaridze criticised the commission, claiming it violates constitutional requirements and serves as a tool for political retribution. “The so-called investigative commission is being used against political opponents. This session must be recorded, so the public can see how the rule of law is being undermined. The Constitution, specifically Article 42, clearly requires that at least 50% of the commission’s members be from opposition parties. This provision was designed to prevent one-party domination of such investigations,” he stated. Japaridze argued that the commission’s composition and decision-making process are unconstitutional and therefore illegal. He also criticised the prosecutor’s office and the court for refusing to summon key witnesses—specifically, those who had filed complaints against him, which he believes would have exposed the politically motivated nature of the case. “In essence, an illegitimately formed commission made an illegal decision. The prosecutor’s office and the judiciary are acting under political pressure. The refusal to call critical witnesses highlights the lack of due process,” Japaridze said. He added that the court’s decision to accept the prosecution’s motion was expected but still troubling. “These violations clearly show how the justice system can be manipulated to serve political interests. Georgian society and the international community must be aware of this situation,” he said. Japaridze was summoned to the commission on March 25 but did not appear. He was later charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code for noncompliance with the commission’s request. As a preventive measure, he was granted bail set at GEL 50,000, which he has paid.

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Lelo's Japaridze: So-called investigative commission violates constitution, serves political revenge

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