Georgian oppositionist Zodelava released on bail

The head of the political council of the United National Movement, Murtaz Zodelava, accused of interfering with the investigation, left the detention center after posting the bail set by the court.

As "Kavkazsky Uzel" reported, on September 13, the Tbilisi City Court chose arrest as a preventive measure for one of the leaders of the United National Movement, Levan Khabeishvili, and agreed to release the head of the political council of the party, Murtaz Zodelava, who was detained with him, on bail of 25 thousand lari (about 9,315 dollars).

15:45 12.09.2025

Municipal elections in Georgia October 4, 2025 year

"Georgian Dream" is preparing for municipal elections amid a crisis of confidence and a boycott by a significant part of the opposition. The elections themselves will likely be held in the absence of key international observers.

Murtaz Zodelava left the detention center of Rustavi Penitentiary Institution No. 12 after paying the bail set by the court, Interpressnews reported today.

The politician is accused of illegally interfering in the activities of a State Security Service investigator and attempting to hide Levan Khabeishvili's mobile phone, the publication writes.

Recall that eight opposition parties 1 announced a boycott of the municipal elections scheduled for October 4. In July, President Mikheil Kavelashvili said he was prepared to pardon opposition leaders convicted of failing to attend parliamentary commission meetings in exchange for their participation in municipal elections.

After this, the Lelo - Strong Georgia coalition abandoned its election boycott, and on September 5, Kavelashvili pardoned Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Khazaradze and Japaridze were released from prison that same day. Representatives of other opposition parties called on them to cancel the decision to participate in municipal elections, which is advantageous to the authorities.

The persecution of opposition politicians is taking place against the backdrop of protests that have been taking place in Tbilisi since November 28, 2024. Activists come out to the Georgian Parliament every day and block Rustaveli Avenue. They demand the release of arrested supporters of European integration and the appointment of new parliamentary elections.

The "Caucasian Knot" has collected materials about the parliamentary elections and the protests that followed on the page "Elections in Georgia-2024".