Petition for Zurab Japaridze's Release and Democratic Reforms in Georgia

To the de facto Authorities of Georgia and the International Community,

We, the undersigned, stand in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Zurab Girchi Japaridze, leader of the Girchi - More Freedom political party, and all those in Georgia facing persecution for exercising their fundamental rights. Mr. Japaridze was arrested today, May 22, 2025, following a court hearing, for rejecting a politically compromised commission and his principled refusal of an unjust bail. This arrest represents a grave assault on individual liberty, free expression, peaceful association, and the pursuit of justice.

This is not an isolated act but part of a disturbing pattern of state overreach by Georgia’s current administration. The regime’s actions — imprisoning more than fifty individuals, including a former President of Georgia, opposition politicians, journalists, artists, students, entrepreneurs, and many others — reveal a clear intent to suppress dissent and undermine the mechanisms that protect individual autonomy. Such measures, influenced by external hostile forces, sacrifice the inherent rights of citizens for centralized control and betray the principles of a free society.

We affirm that the sole legitimate purpose of any government is to secure the inherent rights of its citizens: to protect free expression, enable voluntary association, ensure peaceful political engagement, and administer impartial justice free from political interference. Any government that silences dissent, weaponizes the legal system, or imprisons individuals for their beliefs is an aggressor against human dignity and must be held accountable.

We urgently call for the following:

1.     Immediate Release of Political Prisoners: Free Zurab Girchi Japaridze and all those unjustly detained for exercising their rights to free expression, association, and peaceful dissent.

2.     Cessation of State Overreach: End the use of the legal system as a tool for political repression and restore the independence of Georgia’s judicial processes.

3.     New and Fair Elections: Hold new national elections that are free, transparent, and independent, conducted without fear, oppression, or intimidation, ensuring all citizens can participate and vote freely.

4.     Protection from Fear and Oppression: Implement measures to safeguard all Georgians from state-sponsored intimidation, harassment, and violence, fostering an environment where free expression and political participation can thrive without fear of retribution.

5.     International Accountability: We urge the global community, including governments, organizations, and individuals who value liberty, to condemn Georgia’s violations of human rights and impose meaningful consequences for its disregard of individual freedoms.

6.     Support for Liberty in Georgia: Stand with Mr. Japaridze and all Georgians fighting for a society rooted in self-ownership, non-aggression, and justice.

The court hearing for Zurab Japaridze on May 22, 2025, at 15:00 (Tbilisi time) and his subsequent arrest mark a critical moment for Georgia’s future and the universal values of liberty. We will not remain silent as these freedoms are eroded. We demand that the Georgian government uphold the rights of its citizens, reject external pressures that undermine a free and open society, and commit to democratic principles that ensure freedom and fairness for all.

Sign this petition to stand for individual liberty, free expression, peaceful association, justice, and a free and fair democratic process in Georgia. Let our collective voices send an unmistakable message: the fight for freedom will not be silenced.