Swedish Ambassador voices concern over opposition leader arrest in Georgia

Sweden has added its voice to a growing chorus of international concern over Georgia's democratic trajectory, following the arrest of opposition leader Zurab Japaridze and the recent passage of controversial legislation targeting political dissent.

In a statement posted on X, Swedish Ambassador to Georgia Anna Lyberg said:
"🇸🇪 is concerned by the developments in Georgia with growing pressure on the opposition including arrests of opposition leaders like Zurab Japaridze and adoption of repressive laws threatening the democracy. These actions are not in line with EU values."

Japaridze, leader of the More Freedom – Girchi party and a key member of the opposition Coalition for Change, was placed in pre-trial detention on May 22. The decision came after a Tbilisi court, presided over by Judge Irakli Shvangiradze, granted the prosecution’s request to replace his 20,000 GEL bail with incarceration. The bail had been imposed earlier in April when Japaridze refused to appear before a parliamentary commission — a move he defended as a stand against what he called a politically motivated process.

He faces charges under Article 349 of Georgia’s Criminal Code for allegedly disobeying a court order, which could lead to up to one year in prison.

The temporary investigative commission that summoned Japaridze was formed on February 5 by the ruling Georgian Dream party to examine alleged abuses during the United National Movement's tenure. However, both Georgian civil society groups and international observers have criticized the commission as a political tool aimed at silencing dissent and discrediting the opposition.