US Congressman Joe Wilson condemns sentencing of Georgian protester Mate Devidze, calls for sanctions

US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has strongly denounced the sentencing of 21-year-old Georgian student and activist Mate Devidze, who was handed a four-year and six-month prison term by Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili on June 12.

In a post on X , Wilson referred to the proceedings as a “kangaroo court” and demanded sanctions against those involved in what he called a "heinous crime."

“Ivanishvili’s kangaroo court has sentenced innocent 21-year-old protestor Mate Devidze to 4 years and 6 months in prison simply for wanting a future of freedom for his country of Georgia. Nino Galustashvili and the other perpetrators of this heinous crime must face sanctions!" Wilson wrote.

The court ruled that Devidze had assaulted three police officers during a protest on November 19, 2024, held in response to alleged electoral manipulation and concerns over the government's pause from European integration. Prosecutors claimed that Devidze struck officers with a "stick-like object" during clashes on Chavchavadze Avenue. Devidze, however, insists he acted in self-defense.

The verdict has sparked widespread criticism from opposition groups, civil society organizations, and international observers, many of whom see the sentence as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Georgia.