Lawyer seeks release of opposition leader Manjgaladze, annulment of conviction

Lawyer Beka Basilaia has called for the release of Paata Manjgaladze, a leader of the opposition party Strategy Agmashenebeli, and the annulment of his conviction in connection with the events of 4 October 2025.

Basilaia said neither the prosecution’s arguments nor the evidence it presented established that Manjgaladze had committed an offence on that date.

“Our position is that he should be released and the conviction against him should be overturned,” Basilaia said.

He added that the defence had outlined its position in its opening statement. Manjgaladze had also asked his lawyers to rely on his public statements, which were published on his Facebook page and reported by the media, Basilaia said.

Meanwhile, plea agreements were expected to be concluded on the same day with four other defendants convicted in connection with the 4 October case - Murtaz Zodelava, Lasha Beridze, Guri Zhvania and Irakli Chkhvirkvia.

The case stems from clashes near Georgia’s presidential palace during an opposition rally held alongside local elections. Some demonstrators attempted to enter the palace grounds, with police using water cannons and pepper spray. Prosecutors accused several opposition figures of organising group violence and attempting to seize a strategic state facility.