Lawyer: unclear why prosecution seeks pre-trial detention for Kuprava

It is unclear why the prosecution is demanding pre-trial detention for Zviad Kuprava, a member of the United National Movement opposition party, his lawyer Gia Gorozia said on Thursday.

He said the only piece of evidence related to the charge of calling for the overthrow of the Government was a video recording uploaded by Kuprava himself on social media.

“As for the second charge, which alleges that he disobeyed police officers, used some form of physical violence, and resisted them, the case relies on the testimonies of two police officers,” Gorozia explained.

He added that Kuprava faces two charges - violence and calls for overthrow, punishable by up to three years in prison, and another related to resistance against police officers, which carries a sentence of two to five years.

“Both offences are classified as less serious crimes. It is unclear why, in this case, the prosecution is demanding the use of imprisonment against Kuprava,” Gorozia said.

The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Kuprava with inciting the overthrow of state authority and resisting law enforcement officers.