Georgia ruling party seeks to ban five opposition parties

Members of the ruling Georgian Dream party are preparing a constitutional appeal to ban five opposition political entities. The legal process, which involves a seven-judge panel, is scheduled to begin on October 21 and will last for three days in Batumi.

Proponents of the ban, including Irakli Kirtskhalia and Levan Machavariani, argue that the move is necessary to cleanse the political landscape of foreign agents and protect state interests. They claim the opposition parties have engaged in revolutionary attempts, destruction, and actions against national interests. The ruling party intends to present a 460-page investigative commission report as evidence.

Opposition groups, including Lelo, the National Movement, and New, are expected to defend themselves in court, though their specific legal arguments and consensus on court composition remain uncertain.