Zurab Japaridze fined 20,000 GEL for failing to attend investigation commission meeting

The Tbilisi City Court has imposed a bail of 20,000 GEL as a preventive measure on Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition “For Change,” for failing to appear before a temporary investigative commission.

Judge Nana Shamatava ruled in favour of the prosecutor’s request.

Zurab Japaridze said he does not recognize the results of the October 26 elections and does not intend to attend any commission in what he deems an ‘illegitimate parliament’. He also stated that he does not intend to pay his bail.

The prosecutor’s office has charged Japaridze under Article 349 of the Criminal Code for failing to appear before the commission, which refers to “failure to comply with the request of the temporary investigative commission of the Parliament of Georgia.” This offense is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year, with deprivation of the right to hold office or engage in activities for up to three years.