"In Georgia, the justice system is nothing more than a tool for the ruling regime's political persecution. In a country where hundreds of citizens were tortured just weeks ago, people are being sent to prison for throwing crumpled paper and bottles," said Zurab "Girchi" Japaridze, one of the leaders of the "Coalition for Change," to "InterpressNews" regarding the court proceedings of those detained during protests.

According to Japaridze, these trials reflect the face of a Russian-style regime.

"There is no functioning judiciary or justice system in Georgia. It operates exactly as it did during the Soviet system or as it does today in Russia or Belarus. The justice system is merely an instrument for the ruling regime's political persecution, nothing more. In a country where, just weeks ago, hundreds of people were tortured, and there were dozens of cases where 'titushki' attacked citizens—some of which were caught on camera with police present, doing nothing—not a single person has been punished. Meanwhile, people are being prosecuted and sent to prison for throwing crumpled paper or bottles. It is clear what we are dealing with. This is the face of a Russian-style regime. When we say we don't want Russia, we mean we don't want to live in a country like this," Japaridze stated.

He also noted that citizens understand that participating in protests is currently the most important action they can take, and the demonstrations will not stop.

"People understand why they come out every day. They know this is the most important thing they can do right now. If they don’t come out, if they stop and the protests end, this country will fully become like Russia in the sense that there will be no more protests, no civil society, no critical media, and no opposition. Everything now rests on this protest, including external support. People understand this. There is no need to even announce a protest anymore. Everyone sees that people are coming out, standing together, and talking to one another. This protest will continue. These people will not back down until they win this fight," Japaridze said.