Georgian opposition leader Japaridze claims he faces ‘imminent arrest’

One of Georgia's opposition leaders, Zurab Japaridze, on Monday announced that he expects to be arrested imminently, following his refusal to comply with a bail requirement imposed by authorities.

"The expectation is that I will probably be arrested. I had previously stated that I was not a bail payer and, in general, I do not intend to perform any reckless actions imposed by this regime, no matter what," Japaridze said. "I have no desire to participate in this masquerade, therefore, the expectation is that I will be arrested."

Japaridze, a leader within the Coalition for Changes, has been at odds with Georgian authorities over a 20,000 GEL bail imposed on him as a preventive measure on April 16. The bail was a consequence of his failure to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes by the previous United National Movement Government. 

The opposition leader’s legal team has repeatedly requested that Thea Tsulukiani, the commission chair, clarify the grounds for the proceedings against him. These requests have been consistently rejected, according to Japaridze.

Japaridze's bail expired on May 18.