Georgia Constitutional Court hears lawsuit to ban opposition parties

Constitutional Court of Georgia Georgian Dream opposition parties ban Batumi political dissent

The Constitutional Court of Georgia has commenced hearings in Batumi regarding a lawsuit filed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The petition, brought by 88 MPs, seeks to ban five major opposition groups: the United National Movement, Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia–Lelo, the Federalist Party, and Gakharia for Georgia.

The plaintiffs allege that these political entities aim to overthrow or forcibly change the constitutional order and undermine Georgia’s independence and territorial integrity. They specifically cite activities and alleged human rights violations dating back to 2004–2012.

Opposition leaders have rejected these accusations, characterizing the legal action as a crackdown on dissent intended to eliminate political competition ahead of the 2028 parliamentary elections. Critics argue the move signals the end of democracy in the country. The court, currently composed of seven judges, is scheduled to continue hearings through October 23, with a final ruling due by June 24, 2027.

Entities

Batumi · Constitutional Court of Georgia · David Matikashvili · Georgia · Georgian Dream · Gia Abashidze · Irakli Kobakhidze · National Bank of Georgia · National Movement · Strategy Builder · United National Movement

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The Constitutional Court of Georgia will hold hearings on October 21, 22, and 23. www.timer.ge · frontnews.ge · jam-news.net · novini247.com · www.arabnews.pk · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The petition alleges attempts to overthrow the constitutional order and sabotage. www.timer.ge · www.arabnews.pk · jam-news.net · novini247.com · fakti.bg
[● 7 SOURCES] The petition targets five parties: National Movement, Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia - Lelo, Federalist Party, and Gaharia for Georgia. www.timer.ge · www.arabnews.pk · jam-news.net · novini247.com · fakti.bg · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The National Bank of Georgia kept the monetary policy rate at 8.25 percent.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 inflation forecast has been increased to 5.4 percent.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated the political system needs a healthy, functional opposition. frontnews.ge
[○ 1 SOURCE] Strategy Builder claims the attempt to ban the opposition is a strike against the Georgian state and democracy. www.timer.ge
[○ 1 SOURCE] David Matikashvili stated that low turnout at protests confirms the validity of the petition.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Irakli Kobakhidze stated that opposition parties are providing evidence against themselves. frontnews.ge
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Constitutional Court must deliver its ruling by June 24, 2027. jam-news.net
[● 2 SOURCES] The lawsuit was brought by 88 Georgian Dream MPs. novini247.com · jam-news.net
[● 4 SOURCES] The hearings are being held in the city of Batumi. novini247.com · www.arabnews.pk · fakti.bg · www.newsday.com