Georgian NGOs claim case against pro-European protesters politically motivated

Non-governmental organisations in Georgia on Tuesday condemned the case against eight protest participants in pro-European rallies, labelling it as “artificially created and politically motivated.”

They argued that the charges had been designed to punish the defendants for their involvement in civil protests sparked by the Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028 and to discourage wider participation, particularly among students and young people.

The individuals facing charges include Zviad Tsetskhladze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Vepkhia Kasradze, Giorgi Gorgadze, Nikoloz Javakhishvili, Tornike Goshadze, and Insaf Aliyev. According to prosecutors, they were involved in so-called “group violence.”

Three of the defendants – Tsetskhladze, Kasradze, and Kadzelashvili – are accused of organising or leading the alleged violence, which carries a prison sentence of six to nine years. The remaining five face charges of participating in the acts, which could result in sentences of four to six years.

NGOs argued that the prosecution lacked credible evidence, stating that the primary materials used against the defendants were “audio-video recordings downloaded from social networks and internet portals.” They also claimed that the case was an attempt to intimidate broader society.

A long list of judicial figures, prosecutors, and Ministry of Internal Affairs officials have been named by NGOs as being involved in the proceedings. Among the judges overseeing the case were Teona Epitashvili, Arsen Kalatozishvili, and Nana Shamatava. Prosecutors include Shmagi Gobejishvili and Nugzar Chitadze, while MIA officials such as Arsen Khunashvili and David Keburia were also named in connection with the case.