Protester sentenced to four years in prison after anti-foreign influence law rallies

Giorgi Shanidze, a protester involved in demonstrations against the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Law, commonly referred to by the opposition as a Russian law, has been sentenced to four years in prison. The ruling was delivered on Monday by Judge Mikheil Jinjolia.

Shanidze was initially arrested for damaging a surveillance camera during the protest, a violation under Article 187 of the Criminal Code, which covers damage to property. Later, additional charges were brought against him for cultivating cannabis, under Article 265 of the same code.

While damaging a surveillance camera is punishable by a fine, correctional labor, or imprisonment ranging from one to five years, the cultivation of plants containing narcotics can result in a sentence of four to seven years. Shanidze’s sentence reflects the latter charge.

The protests, which took place earlier this year, saw the arrest of dozens of demonstrators, several of whom face charges under the Criminal Code. The law, which critics argue mirrors Russian legislation aimed at stifling civil society, sparked widespread unrest.

Despite multiple incidents of violence against opponents of the law, including attacks near their homes by unidentified assailants, no arrests have been made in connection with these assaults. Critics claim this reflects a double standard in how the law is being enforced, raising concerns about political motives behind the crackdown on protesters.