Pre-trial detention has been imposed as a measure of restraint on the leaders of the "Rustaveli Avenue" movement - Paata Burchuladze, former Chief Prosecutor Murtaz Zodelava, "National Movement" member Irakli Nadiradze, one of the leaders of "Strategy Aghmashenebeli" Paata Manjgaladze, and Colonel Lasha Beridze.

The aforementioned decision was made by Judge Lela Maridashvili of the Tbilisi City Court.

Today's hearing deliberated on the imposition of pre-trial detention measures for the detained individuals.

The state prosecution requested the application of the strictest pre-trial detention measure - imprisonment - for all five defendants, while the defense sought their release without any pre-trial measures.

As Prosecutor Vazha Todua explained, there is a risk of the defendants fleeing, committing new crimes, and destroying evidence. He detailed the actions carried out by the defendants and stated that video recordings have been presented as confirming evidence.

The lawyers did not agree with the prosecution's motion. They spoke about the politically motivated nature of the case and petitioned for the release of the detainees without pre-trial measures.

The defendants took the floor, and none of them considers themselves guilty of the charges presented.

For reference, 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.