The U.S. Embassy in Georgia released a statement about ending of a political dialogue over election legislation by the opposition with the ruling party and conviction of Gigi Ugulava, leader of European Georgia Party.

“The U.S. Embassy supports the political dialogue between Georgia’s governing party and opposition representatives aimed at reaching an agreement on an election system that best serves the Georgian people.  The U.S. Embassy is disappointed that the timing and context of the conviction and sentencing of an opposition leader last night has put the dialogue at risk.

An environment conducive to the successful continuation of the dialogue requires an independent, transparent judicial system free of political influence.  We call on all sides to remain committed to the political dialogue, as well as further refinements to the electoral code, as the best way to create the conditions for free and fair elections,” reads the statement.

On February 10, the Supreme Court of Georgia found Gigi Ugulava, one of the leaders of opposition European Georgia party, guilty of misspending GEL 48 million of public money from Tbilisi Development Fund, while serving as the mayor of the capital city, and sentenced him to three years and two months in jail. Ugulava will serve his prison term at so-called Matrosov Prison.

The opposition, the same evening, announced that there was no resource or sense left for the continuation of consultations with the ruling party.