Nika Gvaramia
SentencedArticle 349 – Failure to comply with a request of a temporary investigative commission of the Parliament. Later: Article 318, Part 1 – Sabotage (2-4 years).
Case Details
On 1 July, Nika Gvaramia, leader of the political party Akhali, was sentenced to eight months in prison under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes failure to comply with a request of a temporary investigative commission of the Parliament.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, established a parliamentary investigative commission on 5 February 2024, chaired by Tea Tsulukiani, to examine the period of governance under the UNM. Opposition politicians were summoned but many refused to attend as an act of protest. Their refusal was met with criminal prosecution and custodial sentences.
A new criminal case was initiated against Gvaramia under Article 318, Part 1, for sabotage (punishable by 2-4 years). According to the Prosecutor's Office, Gvaramia and other opposition leaders are accused of launching active street actions aimed at radicalizing the political process after the 2024 elections.
Defense Arguments
Refusal to appear was an act of political protest against an illegitimate parliamentary body.
Personal Background
Leader of the political party Akhali. Opposition politician. Refused to appear before Tea Tsulukiani's parliamentary investigative commission.