Two protesters jailed over ‘Russian law’ demonstrations released after plea deal, amnesty

Two men convicted over damage to a security barrier during last year’s mass protests against Georgia’s so-called “Russian law” have been released from prison after serving part of their sentences.

Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili left the penitentiary earlier today, following a plea agreement concluded on 20 January and subsequent amnesty measures that reduced their prison terms.

Both were arrested during protests outside the Georgian parliament, where demonstrators had rallied against a controversial foreign agents bill widely referred to by critics as the “Russian law.” The two were charged with damaging a metal safety barrier at one of the entrances to the legislature.

Speaking after leaving prison, Okribelashvili expressed solidarity with other detainees arrested during the protests.

“I support every prisoner of conscience. I am proud that I stood beside the people, proud that I stood with such good, decent people, and that I did not step back,” he said.

Meparishvili said he intended to continue participating in demonstrations, stressing that the public must push for changes in government behaviour.

“Everyone should try to change the government’s attitude. I’m convinced they will not change on their own - either they should leave, or we must make them leave. I will go to protests again,” he said.

He added that agreeing to the plea deal had been a difficult decision but said he signed it to secure the release of another detainee arrested alongside him.

Under the plea agreement, both men pleaded guilty to the charges and received three-year prison sentences. Following an amnesty decision, their sentences were reduced to 2.5 years, of which they served 1.5 years in custody; the remaining one year was converted into a suspended sentence.