Mother says police seized toy guns from arrested anti-Gov’t blogger’s residence

Law enforcement in Georgia arrested anti-government blogger Ucha Abashidze at his Tbilisi residence on Thursday on charges related to the alleged illegal purchase and possession of weapons and ammunition. His mother claims that the items seized and publicly displayed by the Interior Ministry were toy guns and plastic bullets typically used in airsoft activities.

According to Abashidze’s mother, only two of the weapons shown were real and registered in her son’s name.

Following the arrest, Shota Tutberidze, a friend and lawyer representing Abashidze, expressed concerns that additional items may have been planted among the seized possessions by the police. Tutberidze mentioned that Abashidze possessed parts of a drone, airsoft weapons, and a legally owned firearm.

The arrest coincides with mass protests in Tbilisi over a controversial foreign transparency bill, with Abashidze being one of its vocal critics.In response to news of the police operation at Abashidze’s residence, citizens gathered near the scene, chanting in support of Abashidze and expressing dissatisfaction with law enforcement. Several individuals were reportedly arrested during a subsequent protest march.

The Office of the Public Defender has issued a statement in response to Abashidze’s arrest, expressing their intention to closely monitor the situation. Representatives are seeking access to Abashidze to ensure his rights are respected during detention.