Mamuka Khazaradze's case to be forwarded to Prosecutor's Office for non-appearance at parliamentary inquiry

Georgian Parliament's Temporary Investigative Commission examining alleged crimes committed by the former United National Movement Government between 2003 and 2012 on Tuesday decided to forward the case of Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the domestic opposition Lelo party, to the Prosecutor’s Office due to his failure to attend the session.

The matter was put to a vote by Tea Tsulukiani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and Chair of the Temporary Investigative Commission.

The decision followed Khazaradze’s social media message, saying “today, they are waiting for me at [a session] of the illegitimate parliamentary Investigative Commission. Of course, I'm not going to participate in this circus”.

“Mamuka Khazaradze, through his Facebook post, left no doubt about whether he intended to appear today, whether he might come tomorrow, in two days, or a week, or whether he would attend before the commission concludes its work. Based on that statement, there is no question about his refusal. I propose that we put the issue of referring Mamuka Khazaradze's case to the Prosecutor's Office to a vote. According to the Criminal Code, there is a specific article [Art. 349], which states that failure to comply with a commission’s request is punishable under criminal law. The penalties include severe measures, including up to one year of imprisonment”, Tsulukiani said.

Additionally, Tsulukiani addressed the absence of Badri Japaridze, the leader of the opposition Lelo party, noting his potential significant role in the case concerning the alleged takeover of Magnati LLC.

“As for Badri Japaridze, who, as it now turns out, must have had an even more important role in this case and had a direct function in the takeover of Magnati LLC. Mr. Badri, after the secretariat contacted Mamuka Khazaradze, no longer answered calls. I do not want to make assumptions and say that a connection was established between the two individuals and that this is why Mr. Badri did not want to answer the calls. Badri Japaridze still has the opportunity to arrive at the commission session until 4pm today”, she continued.

The parliamentary commission is currently reviewing the case of Magnati LLC. During the session, the company’s owner, businessman Jemal Leonidze, testified, accusing TBC Bank, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and David Kezerashvili of asset appropriation.