"I am still troubled by an inner fear because I am afraid of defeat, and I don’t want future generations to condemn us for failing. I am ready, I am resolute, and I don’t like seeing tears in your eyes—smile with me," said 19-year-old Saba Jikia, accused of attacking a police officer, during his court hearing.
At this moment, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili has retired to the deliberation room to deliver the verdict.
Saba Jikia exercised his legal right to deliver a final statement.
"My deepest thanks for your support; it means a lot to me.
It’s hard to watch how they try to oppress you and suppress free thought.
I am still troubled by an inner fear because I am afraid of defeat, and I don’t want future generations to condemn us for failing. I don’t want my generation or the next to grow up in a dictatorship and injustice.
I face 4 to 7 years in prison, spending my youth there, but my imprisonment has had its positives—I gained a new family, met some great guys, learned the value of freedom, and I’ll have an incredible story to tell my grandchildren. I stand on the right side of history. I am ready, I am resolute, and I don’t like seeing tears in your eyes—smile with me," Jikia said.
For reference, Saba Jikia has been charged under Article 353, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to an attack on a police officer. Specifically, he is accused of striking an employee of the State Security Service.
This charge carries a penalty of 4 to 7 years of imprisonment.
v-if="article.gallery" v-html="article.gallery"
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
