The Illegitimate Government of "Georgian Dream" Begins the Destruction of the Political Opposition
The illegitimate government of "Georgian Dream" has crossed yet another red line on its path toward dictatorship: the trend of arresting activists for political reasons—most recently exemplified by the arrest of former Prosecutor General and former Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Okruashvili—has now entered an entirely new dimension.
On May 22, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court imposed pre-trial detention on one of the most active opposition politicians, Zurab (Girchi) Japaridze, a leader of the political party "Coalition for Change." The court based its decision on the claim that Zurab (Girchi) Japaridze had failed to pay the bail previously imposed on him as a preventive measure. Japaridze is charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Georgia—for “failure to comply with the demand of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia.”
Some time ago, a so-called Temporary Investigative Commission was formed in Georgia's illegitimate Parliament, which is composed solely of "Georgian Dream" and its satellite political organization, "People's Power." The goals and objectives of this commission raise serious questions in Georgian society regarding the country’s national interests. It is precisely Japaridze's failure to appear before this anti-state commission that has led not only to his prosecution but also to the criminal pursuit of several other opposition politicians, who may also be arrested in the near future.
The strategy of "Georgian Dream" is clear: their goal is to leave the opposition political spectrum without leaders, in order to uncontestedly seize control of municipal governing bodies in the upcoming local elections in October 2025. This process renders the so-called elections a complete farce.