Georgia files criminal charges against opposition leaders including Saakashvili

Georgia's Prosecutor General's Office has launched criminal proceedings against several prominent opposition figures, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, on charges of committing crimes against the state. Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze announced the charges during a press briefing on Thursday, naming eight opposition leaders accused of offenses including sabotage, assisting foreign hostile activities, and calling for violent government overthrow.

Specific Allegations and Defendants

The defendants include Saakashvili along with Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze. Authorities allege that following the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, opposition figures provided foreign representatives with sensitive information regarding Georgia's oil imports and military situation, while spreading false reports about the country's airspace being used for Iranian drone transfers to Russia.

Post-Election Violence Claims

Prosecutors further accused opposition leaders of organizing violent demonstrations after their parties' defeat in the 2024 parliamentary elections. The statement alleged these protests included calls for revolution and government overthrow, resulting in injuries to 158 law enforcement officers and significant damage to the parliament building and surrounding properties in Tbilisi. The prosecution claims these actions constituted financing activities directed against Georgia's constitutional order and national security.

Ongoing Investigation and International Context

Prosecutor General Gvarakidze stated the investigation remains active with periodic public updates planned regarding its progress. The charges come amid heightened political tensions in Georgia, with authorities claiming the opposition's alleged actions led to international sanctions against approximately 300 Georgian citizens, including public officials and business figures. The accused opposition leaders have not yet issued public responses to the allegations.