Tbilisi Court sentences 8 protesters to pretrial imprisonment over violence charges

The Tbilisi City Court has ruled to place eight individuals in pretrial detention in connection with violence during recent protests, following a motion by the prosecutor’s office.

Judge Irakli Khuskivadze announced the decision, stating that there is “reasonable suspicion” of the detainees’ involvement in organizing and participating in group violence.

Prosecutors have charged three detainees – Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, and Vasil Kadzelashvili – with organizing and leading group violence, which carries a potential prison sentence of six to nine years.

Five others – Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze, and Nikoloz Javakhishvili – are accused of participating in group violence and face sentences of four to six years.

Defense lawyers maintain the innocence of the accused, arguing that the case lacks evidence to substantiate claims of coordinated actions by the detainees.

The ongoing protests in Tbilisi have resulted in the detention of 26 individuals under the Criminal Code, intensifying scrutiny and debate over the authorities’ response to public dissent.