The verdict in the case of Anatoli Gigauri, a member of the “National Movement” detained on charges of attacking a police officer, will be announced today.

The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Tbilisi City Court.

Judge Jvebe Natchkebia was supposed to deliver the verdict at the August 8 hearing, where Anatoli Gigauri gave his final statement, but it was unexpectedly postponed for a second time. Earlier, on July 28, after hearing the parties’ arguments, the judge postponed the proceedings indefinitely at the stage of the defendant’s final statement. According to the judge’s explanation, there were several issues that required thorough examination and time, including the mention of “necessary defense” raised in the case.

Regarding the case itself, according to lawyer Lasha Tsutskiridze, when Anatoli Gigauri swung his hand at the police officer, he was acting in self-defense and within the bounds of necessary defense.

According to the lawyer, video evidence presented in the case shows the patrol inspector, who has the status of a victim, striking Anatoli Gigauri in the face with a fist. A few seconds later, during a repeated attempt, Gigauri swings his hand, which, according to the lawyer’s explanation, indicates that he was acting within the bounds of necessary defense.

The state prosecution, however, claims that Gigauri attacked the police officer.

For reference, Anatoli Gigauri was detained by law enforcement officers on November 25. According to the investigation, the accused attacked a patrol inspector who was present at the scene to maintain public order and physically assaulted him.

Anatoli Gigauri was charged under Article 353(1) of the Criminal Code, which pertains to an attack on a police officer.

The offense carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 4 to 7 years.