Arrested opposition leader questions special forces witness about October rally

Arrested opposition leader Murtaz Zodelava on Thursday questioned a special forces officer who witnessed the events at the presidential palace during October 4 protests in Tbilisi. 

Addressing the officer, Zodelava asked whether there were any signs of organized criminal activity, coordinated assaults, counterattacks, or similar incidents during the rally.

“You have participated in many demonstrations within your professional experience and have witnessed numerous clashes. On October 4 at Atoneli Presidential Palace, did you observe any particularly organized groups, criminal consolidations, coordinated breaches, storms, or counterattacks? For example, no Molotov cocktails were thrown that day, correct? You did not see such activity, as you vividly described stone-throwing and scuffles - situations generally characteristic of demonstrations in Georgia and even in such states where democracy exists at a fragile level. Was there anything extraordinary? Organized groups? Weapons?” Zodelava asked.

He concluded, “as did the prosecutor, I understood your testimony to indicate that it was a normal demonstration with its usual scuffles.”