Opposition figure Japaridze calls UNM leader Khabeishvili case politically motivated

A leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, Zurab Japaridze, has described the prosecution and detention of the United National Movement leader Levan Khabeishvili as “madness” and politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Japaridze said it was “unthinkable” for a politician to be tried and detained over a public statement, arguing that the case amounted to political retaliation.

He also dismissed testimony from a special forces officer as “absurd”, referring to claims that Khabeishvili had made remarks encouraging disobedience in exchange for financial incentives.

According to Japaridze, such allegations did not justify criminal charges, detention or restrictions in custody.

Khabeishvili is due to be questioned in court at a hearing scheduled for today.

He was arrested on 11 September 2025 and charged under Article 339, Part 2 of Georgia’s criminal code, which relates to promising money or other benefits to a public official in exchange for carrying out an illegal act.