Police searches homes of activists Nikoloz Latsabidze and Davit Futuridze

The Georgian police have conducted searches at the homes of activists Nikoloz Latsabidze and Davit Futuridze as part of an investigation into alleged public incitement to violence under Article 239¹ of the Criminal Code.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, authorities have identified the suspected individuals, and investigative actions are ongoing. However, no arrests have been made so far.

Davit Futuridze told TV Pirveli that he was first taken to participate in an investigative experiment before his home was searched. He stated that police seized clothing and fireworks from his flat.

“They asked me where I was on January 28 and why I was with certain people, including Nikoloz Latsabidze. I was also asked about a third person whose surname I didn’t know at the time. Then they showed me footage of us writing inscriptions on metro facades. After the investigative experiment, they took me home and conducted a search. They seized the clothes we were wearing that day—two pairs of pants, a jacket, gloves, a coat, and a balaclava—as well as fireworks that were in my house,” Futuridze said.

Another activist, Irakli Latsabidze, stated that authorities are accusing them of writing graffiti on the walls of the State University metro station, but he denied any involvement.

“I haven’t done anything, and I don’t understand why they are accusing me. As for the fireworks, I can assure you they were never used illegally. On January 28, I visited Davit Futuridze and stayed over. Maybe that’s why they are investigating us. In reality, we just played video games. They tried to get me to confess, but I had nothing to admit. My father is an artist, so we have paint in our house. They searched my personal belongings, including my phone, gloves, two respirators, swimming goggles, and a whistle. These are all legal items,” Irakli Latsabidze told TV Pirveli.

The investigation is ongoing.