Ex-UNM MP Givi Targamadze Released After Seven Months in Prison
2026-01-26 - 08:10
Former United National Movement lawmaker Givi Targamadze was released from Rustavi prison on January 26 after completing a seven-month sentence for defying the so-called Tsulukiani Commission. “This is the price, the price of fighting for freedom, and it is difficult,” Targamadze told reporters after his release. “It is not easy, and in some cases it is even tragic [...] It is very important that people do not give up on paying this price and do not stop because of it, because if you stop now, the price will immediately rise and reach the level we see in Iran and Ukraine. Unfortunately, this is a price that must be paid.” Targamadze was arrested on June 27 after being found guilty of failing to comply with a request from the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary investigative commission to appear at a hearing. Eight people, including six active opposition politicians, were sentenced to months in prison in the case. All refused to appear before the commission of the disputed parliament, which they do not recognize as legitimate. Targamadze is the third to be released among those serving full sentences in the series of commission-related jailings. Zurab Japaridze, leader of the Girchi–More Freedom party, was freed on December 19 after serving seven months, followed by Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Strategy Aghmashenebeli, who was released on January 23. Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze were released in early September after receiving pardons from Georgian Dream-backed President Mikheil Kavelashvili, following the ruling party’s decision to take part in the October 4 municipal elections. Three others remain in prison for failing to appear before the commission: Ahali party leaders Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia, and former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili. Initially tasked with probing alleged misconduct by the former ruling United National Movement, the Georgian Dream commission, headed by GD veteran member Tea Tsulukiani, expanded its scope to target all major opposition party leaders. The commission concluded its work in August, 2025 with a 470-page report, which Georgian Dream has cited in a Constitutional Court lawsuit seeking to ban the United National Movement and what it calls “affiliated” opposition parties. Also Read: 01/10/2025 – Opposition Member Gela Khasaia Sentenced to Pretrial Detention 05/09/2025 – Khazaradze, Japaridze Say Kavelashvili’s Pardon ‘Manipulation’ as They Leave Prison 02/09/2025 – Tsulukiani Commission Presents 470-Page Report, Builds Case Against UNM, Others