Georgian Prosecutor’s Office charges 13 individuals over October 4 protest

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has charged 13 individuals in connection with the October 4 protest, accusing them of attempting to seize and block a strategic state facility and participating in acts of group violence, the body said on Tuesday.

The statement reads the offences carry prison sentences ranging from two to nine years.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze, and Lasha Beridze publicly called for a “revolution” and urged citizens to unite in efforts to overthrow the Government by force prior to the October 4 local self-government elections. On election day, the suspects allegedly coordinated violent actions during a protest at Freedom Square, presenting a plan to detain Government officials and seize state buildings.

The body added following these calls, protesters reportedly marched toward the Presidential Administration building, where they damaged property, set fires, and used makeshift barricades to block security forces attempting to restore order.

The Prosecutor’s Office said that during the clashes, protesters entered the yard of the Administration after damaging security fences, attacked law enforcement officers with metal objects and caused extensive damage to both public and private property in the surrounding area. It said the violent plan to seize the building “was ultimately thwarted by the active actions of law enforcement officers”.

The 13 newly charged individuals - Beka Machavariani, Aleksandre Gogoladze, Eva Shashiashvili, Giorgi Rurua, Vakhtang Pitchelauri, Davit Sturua, Manuchar Mikeladze, Aleksandre Khabeishvili, Kakhaber Mzhavanadze, Tornike Mchedlishvili, Abo Naveriani, Sergo Megrelishvili, and Davit Zhghenti - were arrested on Monday6 under court orders.

“The Prosecutor’s Office will file a motion seeking pre-trial detention for all 13 defendants within the timeframe prescribed by law,” the statement concluded.