Georgian Opposition Leader Jailed Amid Political Crackdown

The 43-year-old leader of the Strategy Builder party was convicted on Tuesday for refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission investigating illicit activities connected to ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili.

Vashadze, who is also banned from holding public office for two years, is one of several opposition leaders from and is a member of a wider opposition coalition that finished third in last year’s election.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, which was winning a fourth term, has rejected any suggestion of election fraud. Three other opposition figures were also convicted on similar charges.

Before the verdict, Vashadze told the court: “We are struggling for the liberation of Georgia,” calling for unity as the authorities incarcerate more opposition figures.

Protests Go On as Critics Warn of Shift to Authoritarian Rule
The sentencing follows months of concern about the political direction of Georgia. The country, once viewed as a pro-Western democracy, is now widely seen by critics as sliding toward authoritarianism and a greater alignment with Russia.

The arrests follow mass protests last year, which were set off by a disputed election and the government’s decision to halt talks on membership in the European Union. Though turnout has dwindled in recent months, demonstrations have rumbled on for more than 200 straight days.

In a related event, Georgian poet and activist Zviad Ratiani was arrested in Tbilisi late Monday. He is currently facing charges of assaulting a police officer and has been a well-known figure at recent street protests.

With more opposition leaders imprisoned, and public protests dwindling, the political future for Georgia is looking increasingly grim.