Saba Meparishvili and Omar Okribelashvili, who were arrested on May 14 for allegedly damaging the iron barricade near the parliament entrance, may enter into a plea agreement.
This became evident during the court hearing when Judge Natia Gudadze inquired whether any negotiations were underway between the parties.
In response, Prosecutor Nugzar Chitadze stated that, up to this point, the defense had not submitted any request to the prosecution for the application of legal leniency.
“We were prepared to deliver closing arguments in this criminal case; however, the judge asked the parties whether any plea agreement negotiations were underway or desired. The prosecution clarified that Saba Meparishvili and Omar Okribelashvili have been detained since May 16, 2024, and no requests for plea agreement considerations have been submitted to the prosecution. Following this clarification, the defense expressed a desire to begin negotiations for a plea agreement. This does not automatically mean that a plea agreement will be reached. We are obligated to review the request and will provide a written response,” Chitadze said.
During the hearing, one of the defendants, Saba Meparishvili, stated that he did not want either a lawyer or a plea agreement. After the defense requested that the hearing be postponed to allow the defendant to decide on his position, as he was visibly distressed, the judge adjourned the session until January 20. The judge stated that by then, the defendant should have clarified his position and formulated a response.
For context, the two young men, aged 19 and 23, were arrested on May 14. They have been charged under Article 187, Section 2, Subsection “g” of the Criminal Code, which pertains to group damage of property. According to the investigation, the defendants, along with others, intentionally damaged the iron barricade placed at the parliament entrance using physical force and an iron object.
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