Former PM Responds to Detention of Georgian Opposition Leader
Former Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili assessed the detention of Gigi Ugulava as an "example of using the court for political reasons," claiming that such actions of the government will increase polarization in the country. Kvirikashvili responded to the arrest of one of the leaders of the European Georgia party on the social network.
"When only a few months remain until the crucial election and the opposition leader is detained, especially when this is preceded by a violation of the government's promise regarding the electoral system and strict criticism from Georgia's strategic partners, the move could be seen as a political use of the justice system, while the existing tendency shows that the government (intentionally or unintentionally - it doesn't matter anymore) rejects the democratic course chosen by the majority of the population, which will logically be followed by the preliminary delegitimization of the results of the 2020 elections.
"This is the opinion of all sensible people, regardless of whether Gigi Ugulava fits into their political taste - I will hereby clarify that my and European Georgia's political beliefs have been and remain cardinally different.
"By doing so, the government assumes full responsibility for further polarization.
"I call on them to use all measures to normalize the political process, to avoid polarization of society and to hold the crucial elections peacefully," he wrote.
In addition, the opposition representatives announced today the suspension of dialogue with the government regarding the electoral system.
"The Ruling Party Georgian Dream has removed the space for agreements and negotiations in the country. Therefore, the opposition can make the only decision - any negotiations will be suspended from the moment of Ugulava's detention," David Bakradze, the leader of European Georgia, told reporters
Yesterday, the Supreme Court found Ugulava guilty of embezzling funds, in particular, GEL 48 million and sentenced him to three years in prison.
The Court satisfied the prosecution's motion, according to which, he embezzled funds from the Tbilisi Development Fund, a non-commercial legal entity founded by the City Hall, the purpose of which is to preserve the historic look of the City and promote the growth of real estate value.
"If prison is a path to freedom, I am ready to go to prison for the third time," the leader of the European Georgia party answered the Supreme Court's decision regarding his imprisonment.
He added that the verdict against him was issued not by the Supreme Court but by personally Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of the ruling party Georgian Dream.
He claimed out the unity of the opposition scares Bidzina Ivanishvili, which is the reason behind the decision.
By Ana Dumbadze
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