The Tbilisi City Court has fined Temur Katamadze, known as “Batumi flag bearer,” 2,800 GEL following a complaint filed by Nino Nadiradze, the general director of Vivamedi Clinic. Katamadze was found guilty under Article 166 of the Administrative Offenses Code for petty hooliganism.
According to a representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Katamadze verbally insulted medical staff and directed offensive language toward Nadiradze and her mother. “Ms. Nadiradze also claims that Mr. Katamadze attempted physical aggression by kicking in her direction, but this aspect will not be considered under the current charges,” the official stated.
Katamadze’s lawyer argued that his client had grievances against the clinic’s staff. “He waited for hours seeking medical attention, which he did not receive. Witnesses claimed that he raised his voice and acted aggressively toward medical personnel,” the lawyer explained.
Katamadze, widely known for his activism in Batumi, has been in detention since January 11. Initially, he was arrested and sentenced to five days in administrative custody. Upon his release on January 16, authorities immediately detained him again, placing him in immigration detention at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In protest, Katamadze began a hunger strike, which lasted for 48 days. As his health deteriorated, he was transferred to Vivamedi Clinic for medical treatment.
