“Unfortunately, not only the pre-trial detention measure but also the punishment has been predetermined by the political leadership in such processes. We are simply forced to participate in this farce,” said Irakli Abesadze, the lawyer of Irakli Nadiradze, a member of the United National Movement.

According to him, there is nothing tangible in the criminal case against Irakli Nadiradze except for political statements.

“In a normal, law-governed state, where the government is elected through democratic elections by the people, we would have neither such protest actions nor such so-called criminal proceedings, where a regime that has seized power unlawfully accuses people of violently changing the constitutional order and overthrowing the legitimate government. It’s an oxymoron that has nothing to do with justice. However, since we find ourselves in this reality, where such so-called processes are held, where direct orders from the political leadership are carried out by the law enforcement system, courts, and prosecution, in such conditions, we have no expectation that the defense’s well-founded motions - first and foremost regarding the termination of the case, and then, of course, regarding the application of a less severe pre-trial detention measure instead of imprisonment - will be granted.

Unfortunately, not only the pre-trial detention measure but also the punishment has been predetermined by the political leadership in such processes. We are simply forced to participate in this farce. There is nothing tangible in the case materials except for political statements. Beyond that, the case mentions that the President’s fence and five lampposts were damaged. However, whether or not there is anything in the case, it does not affect the final outcome for this court. We saw the cases of Mzia Amaglobeli and other prisoners of conscience, where there was no evidence whatsoever, but a verdict was still delivered,” stated Irakli Abesadze.

For reference, the prosecution has charged five individuals - leaders of the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement Paata Burchuladze and Murtaz Zodelava, United National Movement member Irakli Nadiradze, one of the leaders of “Strategy Aghmashenebeli” Paata Manjgaladze, and Colonel Lasha Beridze - with organizing and leading group violence, attempting to seize strategic and particularly important objects, and inciting the violent change of Georgia’s constitutional order and the overthrow of the state government.

Murtaz Zodelava, Paata Burchuladze, and Irakli Nadiradze have been charged under Article 19-222, Part 2(a) of the Criminal Code of Georgia (attempt to seize and block strategic and particularly important objects, committed by a group); Article 225, Part 1 (organization and leadership of group violence); and Article 317 (incitement to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order and overthrow the state government), which provides for imprisonment of up to 9 years.

Lasha Beridze has been charged under Article 19-222, Part 2(a) of the Criminal Code of Georgia (attempt to seize and block strategic and particularly important objects, committed by a group) and Article 225, Part 1 (organization and leadership of group violence), which provides for imprisonment of up to 9 years.

Paata Manjgaladze has been charged under Article 225, Part 1 (organization of group violence), which provides for imprisonment of up to 9 years.