Georgian Prosecutor's Office summons opposition party leaders in election investigation

Mamuka Khazaradze, a leader of the Lelo opposition party from the Strong Georgia coalition, and Zurab Girchi Japaridze, who leads the  Girchi - More Freedom opposition party, have been summoned to the Prosecutor's Office for interviews as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal violations in last month’s parliamentary elections.

In his comments, Khazaradze said he would refuse to be interviewed by the investigative agency, instead presenting “evidence of election fraud” to a magistrate judge in court.

Japaridze said he had been summoned for an interview by the Prosecutor's Office.

I told them I would come to a magistrate judge, and I am happy to do so. I will do it even without a magistrate [judge], [...] Let us resolve this case publicly. We will show evidence of how the elections were rigged, including violations of secrecy. If they do not want to do that, then I will go to the magistrate judge”, he added.

A public protest organised by domestic opposition parties is being held outside the Tbilisi Court of Appeals in the capital to protest the results of the elections and call for  a rerun.

The demonstration involves the Unity - National Movement platform, For Georgia party and Strong Georgia opposition groups.

A “special unit” of patrol police has been deployed both in the courtyard and in the area surrounding the venue to “monitor the protest and ensure public order”, the local media said.