The trial of actor Andro Chichinadze, humorist Onise Tchakhadze, and nine others, who were arrested on charges of participating in group violence during protests near the Parliament, is underway at the Tbilisi City Court.

At today’s court session, the prosecution’s evidence will be examined, and witnesses will be questioned before the judge.

All the accused are present at the hearing except for Revaz Kiknadze.

Before the session began, the defendants issued a statement.

“I want to address those people who talk a lot on television: in legal terms, this behavior is called a violation of the presumption of innocence. I won’t say what it really is in plain language. I urge everyone to hold their tongues,” said Andro Chichinadze.

Onise Tchakhadze addressed Catholicos-Patriarch Jacob and conveyed three messages to him.

“I want to address His Holiness Jacob, to whom I have three messages. First – let us separate church and politics. Second – ‘Our Father, forgive him, for he does not know what he’s talking about.’ And third – my favorite movie is ‘Londre’,” said Onise Tchakhadze.

For reference, during protests near the Parliament, actor Andro Chichinadze, humorist Onise Tchakhadze, and nine others were charged with participating in group violence. Their cases have been merged into one proceeding.

The accused — Andro Chichinadze, Onise Tchakhadze, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Luka Jabuashvili, Guram Mirtchulava, Valeri Tetrashvili, Giorgi Terishvili, Irakli Kherashvili, Revaz Kiknadze, and Sergei Kukharcuk — are charged under Article 225, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns participation in group violence.

This crime carries a penalty of four to six years of imprisonment.