"I believe I have committed no crime against my country or my people and do not deserve to face any administrative sanction," actor Bacho Kajaia stated during his court hearing, where his case is under review.

Kajaia explained that on January 9, he and his friend, actress Ana Tkebuchava, joined a protest after leaving a café when Rustaveli Avenue was already blocked.

"Nearly 60 days have passed, and I’ve only missed about 12-15 days in total. I usually arrive late because I don’t use public transport. I’ve observed that those who do tend to leave earlier, and I’ve developed a substitution instinct. That day, Ana and I met at a café, had coffee with other friends, chatted, and then joined the already-blocked Rustaveli Avenue.

My conscious reason for being there is to defend the European future for my friends, family members, and all those detained—some tortured, others beaten. I fully understand the public nature of my actions and take responsibility for everything I do in public spaces. I don’t recall any instance where a police officer approached me to give instructions. I absolutely rule out the possibility of disobeying any such instructions. I firmly believe I have committed no wrongdoing against my country or my people and should not face administrative sanctions," Kajaia said.

Bacho Kajaia is accused of violating Article 174(4) of the Administrative Offenses Code, specifically for being at a protest on Rustaveli Avenue on January 9 and allegedly blocking the road artificially when there weren’t enough people to justify doing so.