Opposition UNM member released from courtroom

Irakli Edzgveradze, a member of the Tbilisi City Council from the opposition United National Movement (UNM), was released from the courtroom on Friday. The next hearing is scheduled for September 13. Edzgveradze faces charges of administrative violations, including petty hooliganism and disobeying police orders, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The opposition MP was arrested two days ago during a police investigation related to drug offenses, which he allegedly attempted to obstruct. Along with Edzgveradze another City Council member, Irakli Nadiradze was also detained but was released the same evening.
Edzgveradze’s lawyer has raised concerns about the use of physical force by the police during the arrest, claiming that his client was subjected to violence. The lawyer has called on the Special Investigation Service to initiate an investigation into the officers involved.

Before Friday’s court session, an investigator met with Edzgveradze to conduct an interview. Based on the information gathered, a decision will be made on whether to open an investigation into the conduct of the police officers.