Opposition leader Zurab Japaridze detained at Turkish airport

Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition party Girchi – More Freedom, has been detained at an airport in Turkey.

Japaridze announced the development himself on social media.

“Today I was flying to Brussels at the invitation of Renew Europe to participate in a summit of political leaders. I had to change airlines in Turkey, where I was detained at border control. I was informed that an entry ban to Turkey has been imposed on me since November 2025, based on information received from official Georgian authorities.

I am being sent back to Tbilisi tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, I have lost the opportunity to attend important meetings. Nothing else to worry about,” Japaridze wrote.

Earlier, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party also released a statement regarding Japaridze’s detention.

“We’re concerned to learn that Zura Girchi Japaridze, leader of ALDE member party Girchi – More Freedom, has been detained at the airport in Turkey, held in a cell with his passport and luggage confiscated and will be sent back to Georgia tomorrow. He was transiting en route to Brussels, where he was invited and was due to participate in the RenewEurope Leaders’ Summit. We regret that he will not be able to participate and lament that such pressures continue to be placed on the work and movements of opposition parties who seek a pro-European and democratic future for their country,” read the ALDE post.