Georgian ruling party MP urges protesters to accept plea deals

Archil Gorduladze, chairman of parliament's Legal Affairs Committee, has urged participants in the October 4 protests, including opposition leaders, to confess to criminal offences and accept plea agreements, saying prosecutors have indicated they would be eligible for such deals.

He said people who took part in the "violent protest" against the government should admit their actions and express remorse.

"Those who believed Paata Burchuladze and the other organisers on Oct. 4 can believe them again, confess to the crimes they committed, repent, and the Prosecutor General's Office has stated that they will receive plea agreements," Gorduladze said.

He alleged that the October 4 events amounted to an attempt to overthrow the government by force.

Gorduladze also referred to opposition leader Burchuladze, saying the opposition figure had been convicted of a serious criminal offence. He said it was for the public to judge whether Burchuladze's recent statements were intended to protect himself or those he had allegedly encouraged to participate in the protests.

The lawmaker further claimed that coordinated action by law enforcement agencies had prevented “another revolution” and an attempt to establish external control over Georgia.