TI Georgia condemns sentencing of protester Mate Devidze as politically motivated

Transparency International Georgia has issued a strong statement condemning the sentencing of 21-year-old Mate Devidze, who was given four and a half years in prison by Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili. The organization has labeled the ruling as politically motivated and declared Devidze a "prisoner of conscience."

“Today, Ivanishvili’s judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced 21-year-old Mate Devidze to 4.5 years in prison. Mate is being punished for loving Georgia and for fighting for our country’s European future,” the statement reads. “After reviewing the case proceedings and available materials, we unequivocally declare that this is a politically motivated case.”

Devidze was arrested during a protest on November 19, 2024, on Chavchavadze Avenue in Tbilisi. The demonstration, sparked by disputed election results and fears over Georgia's backsliding from its European path, escalated into clashes with law enforcement. Authorities accused Devidze of assaulting three police officers with a "stick-like object." The prosecution identified the officers — Levan Kodelashvili, Giorgi Estateshvili, and Bidzina Zhamerashvili — as victims. Devidze, however, maintains he acted in self-defense.

Transparency International Georgia criticized the broader use of the judiciary and law enforcement against political opponents and youth activists, stating: “This and other cases clearly show that Ivanishvili and his party are using the law enforcement and judicial systems to achieve their political goals — to intimidate people, persecute all segments of society (especially the youth), violate human rights, and destroy Georgia’s European future.”

The organization urged Georgian citizens not to remain indifferent and called on the international community to take notice. “The future of our homeland is in our hands. We will win,” the statement concluded.