Judge orders detention of fireworks suspect amid ongoing protests

A Georgian court has ordered 21-year-old medical student Giorgi Mindadze to remain in custody following his arrest on charges of throwing fireworks at a police officer. Judge Nino Tarashvili made the ruling during a pre-trial hearing, citing concerns about the risk of reoffending. Mindadze has two prior convictions for property and drug-related crimes and is currently on probation.

Mindadze’s lawyer, Vakhtang Mtiulishvili, argued for bail, but the judge declined, stating there was no risk of absconding or witness tampering. The substantive hearing is scheduled for February 3.

The case stems from an incident on December 1 in Mtskheta municipality, where Mindadze was arrested while visiting his cousin with his mother. Prosecutors presented a photograph allegedly showing him holding a pyrotechnic device and testimony from a police officer who claimed to have been struck by fireworks fired by the accused.

This ruling comes amid a backdrop of sustained anti-government protests in Georgia, now in their 54th day. The rallies, held across Tbilisi and other cities, demand new elections and the release of individuals detained during the demonstrations. Protestors are opposing the Georgian Dream party’s decision not to pursue European Union membership negotiations until 2028, announced on November 28, 2023.

Authorities have arrested approximately 500 demonstrators since the protests began, with 50 facing criminal charges that carry lengthy prison sentences.