Badri Japaridze, one of the leaders of Lelo–Strong Georgia, stated that his party has not changed its decision to participate in the upcoming elections, despite being imprisoned for that very choice. He made the remarks to journalists shortly after his release from the Rustavi penitentiary.

“Our position is the same as it was before we were placed in prison – this is a fight for the European future of the country, for the release of all political prisoners, and for new elections,” Japaridze said. “We were imprisoned so that we would change our decision, but we did not. We were not imprisoned at our request, and we were not released at our request – this was a decision of Georgian Dream.”

He recalled being informed of the pardon while still in detention. “This morning, after returning from my daily walk in the 16-square-meter yard, I was told that a pardon had been issued by Mikheil Kavelashvili,” he noted.

Japaridze emphasized that the party’s decision to take part in the elections was made after careful consideration, despite criticism from some opposition groups.

“A large part of our supporters demanded that we participate. Peaceful protests and boycotts are also legitimate forms of expression, but we must not abandon the tens of thousands who will come to vote on October 4. They must see that European-oriented parties are ready to defend their voices,” he said.

Earlier today, President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned both Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze.