Opposition leader, accused Gigi Ugulava was acquitted by the Tbilisi City Court over the incident at the airport.

The decision was announced by Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili.

According to the court decision, Gigi Ugulava was acquitted of the violence against judoka Badri Gavashelishvili.

According to Kochlamazashvili, both sides focused on the beginning of the conflict, which is reasonable, because when it comes to violence, the beginning of the conflict is of great importance to determine whether a particular person was in a position of attack or defense. According to the judge, both sides confirm the conflict and clashes during the physical confrontation.

According to Kochlamazashvili, no additional evidence was presented in court, however, the prosecution presented patrol officers who arrived at the scene when the conflict was already taking place and they have no information about the beginning of the conflict. He said the court needs additional evidence to determine which side is right, however, it was not presented. Accordingly, the judge announced the decision in favor of Ugulava.

For reference, the incident took place at Tbilisi Airport on December 11, 2019. Gigi Ugulava has been charged under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates violence. He was accused of beating judoka Badri Gavashelishvili. Gavashelishvili's friend Davit Parkadze was also accused together with Gigi Ugulava. Parkadze was accused of beating politician Goka Gabashvili. According to the court decision, he was found guilty and fined.