The Tbilisi City Court has ordered detention as a preventive measure for those arrested in connection with the murder of Levan Jangveladze—Giorgi Mikadze, Giorgi Kachkachashvili, and Mamuka Baghdavadze.

Detention was also ordered in absentia for Davit Mikadze and Giorgi Jokhadze.

With this decision, Judge Lela Maridashvili fully granted the prosecution’s motion.

Giorgi Kachkachashvili’s lawyer requested the release of the accused in exchange for a 10,000 GEL bail, while Giorgi Jokhadze’s lawyer submitted a motion for a 30,000 GEL bail. As for Giorgi and Davit Mikadze, their lawyer proposed Giorgi Mikadze’s release in exchange for a 50,000 GEL bail.

Prosecutor Levan Vepkhvadze explained during the hearing that there was a risk of the accused committing further crimes, absconding, influencing witnesses, or destroying evidence, a position that the defense attorneys disputed.

According to the defense, there is no significant evidence against the detained individuals apart from a police officer’s testimony.

The lawyers stated that the charge of contract killing is absurd and baseless.

Giorgi Mikadze also spoke, stating that he had been repeatedly warned that he would be arrested but still did not leave the country.

“I have no connection to this case. Before they arrested me, I was warned multiple times that I would be detained, yet I did not leave. I feel insulted. I demand my freedom,” Giorgi Mikadze stated.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for October 6 at 12:00 PM.