Defense lawyers, supporters walk out of courtroom during hearing on pro-European protesters

The defense lawyers and supporters of individuals detained during pro-European protests in Tbilisi left the courtroom in protest, citing inadequate conditions for the ongoing trial. The detained protesters were also removed from the courtroom.

The session at Tbilisi City Court is now proceeding in the presence of only the judge, clerks, and prosecutors.

The walkout followed two hours of requests by the defense team to move the hearing to a larger courtroom, as the small space made it impossible to work due to overcrowding. One of the detainees, Irakli Miminoshvili, felt unwell, prompting a call for emergency medical assistance. Doctors reported that his condition was likely caused by poor air circulation, but Judge Irakli Khuskivadze declined to relocate the session.

The court is reviewing the cases of eight individuals arrested during pro-European demonstrations, where allegations of group violence are being examined. Three of the accused—Vepkhia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, and Zviad Tsetskhladze—are charged with organizing group violence. The remaining five, including 19, 20, and 21-year-old detainees Irakli Miminoshvili, Tornike Goshadze, Insaf Aliyev, Nikoloz Javakhishvili, and Giorgi Giorgadze, are accused of participating in violence.

A similar session took place on January 10, involving 11 protesters. In that hearing, Judge Ketevan Jachvadze ruled to keep all 11 in pretrial detention, sparking public outrage and protests outside the court building.