Georgian President grants clemency to two leaders of opposition parties

In the lead-up to the municipal elections scheduled for October 4, a series of events have unfolded in Georgia, sparking controversy and criticism from the opposition ranks.

President Mikhail Kavelashvili announced the pardon of political prisoners Mamuka Khazaradze and Badrri Japharidze, a move aimed at promoting more competitive elections. However, the decision has been met with criticism, with opposition parties describing it as a "dirty political act" and an attempt at "manipulation."

Khazaradze and Japharidze, leaders from the United National Movement party, have not been pardoned as of 2025. Upon his release, Khazaradze stated that he had not asked the authorities for a pardon. Despite the offer made by President Kavelashvili to pardon imprisoned opposition figures if they agreed to participate in the elections, all parties have officially refused.

The authorities are hopeful that the pardon will contribute to more competitive elections, with President Kavelashvili stating that no one should have grounds to say the elections are taking place under non-competitive conditions. However, representatives of several parties have urged President Kavelashvili to pardon all opposition leaders.

Meanwhile, the political landscape is also seeing new contenders emerge. "Lelo" and the "Gaharia - For Georgia" party have nominated candidates for the vote. Charter97.org, a news site with social media accounts on various platforms, has also been actively supporting the site through donations, with the donation account details provided as our [email protected]. The payment purpose for donating to Charter97.org is specified as supporting the site.

The controversy surrounding the elections and the pardons continues to unfold, with the opposition calling on "Lelo" to withdraw from the elections, arguing that the release was not a gesture of goodwill but a tool for legitimizing the process. The elections on October 4 promise to be a significant event in Georgia's political landscape.