Arresting doctor during anti Gov’t protests once detained by occupation forces ‘deeply unjustified’, lawyer

Lawyer Nika Simonishvili on Thursday condemned the arrest of Dr. Vazha Gaprindashvili, describing it as an unjust act against a man who had previously shown extraordinary bravery by crossing the occupation line to save a patient. 

Speaking about the events on Rustaveli Avenue, where around 20 people were detained on Wednesday, Simonishvili said the authorities’ response was disproportionate and lacked any legal basis under the Criminal Code.

“When we talk about Vazha Gaprindashvili - a man who demonstrated incredible courage by crossing the occupation line to save a patient - arresting such a person is deeply unjustified,” Simonishvili said.

He stressed that no violence occurred, no one was harmed, and no property was damaged, arguing that the incident should be treated, at most, as a minor administrative offense rather than a criminal one.

“This has nothing to do with the Criminal Code. At most, it falls under minor hooliganism in the Administrative Offenses Code,” he noted.

Simonishvili also criticized the police for their disproportionate use of force, particularly citing the arrest of activist Lika Basilaia, which he said could not be justified by any standard of proportionality.

The comments came after police detained around 20 people on Rustaveli Avenue overnight, accusing them of blocking the roadway during a peaceful protest.