The Prosecutor General’s Office [PoG] is in the process of filing charges against Badri Japaridze, Chairman of the Political Council of “Lelo - Strong Georgia”.

At today’s briefing, Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze announced that criminal prosecution has been initiated against the domestic opposition leaders, namely, Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze.

As he noted, the investigation, conducted jointly by the Prosecutor’s Office, the State Security Service, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, concerns crimes committed against the state, including sabotage, aiding hostile activities of a foreign state, financing activities directed against Georgia’s constitutional order and national security, and incitement to violent overthrow of the Government.

According to the PoG, Khazaradze and Japaridze will be charged under Part 1 of Article 318 of the Criminal Code - sabotage. The PoG is requesting bail for Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze as a preventive measure.