The court imposed pretrial detention as a preventive measure for Tornike Mchedlishvili, Abo Naveriani, Eva Shashviashvili, and Davit Sturua, who were detained during the October 4 rally.

At today’s hearing, the issue of applying preventive measures for the detainees was discussed.

The defense lawyers requested the recusal of Judge Lela Maridashvili, but the judge did not grant the motion.

As the lawyers noted, they had no expectation that the judge would make an objective and impartial decision.

The prosecution demanded the harshest preventive measure - pretrial detention - for all four, while the defense requested bail.

Prosecutor Tamar Bezhuashvili stated at the court hearing that Tornike Mchedlishvili “mercilessly swung a stick and committed violence against those around him, including police officers. Footage confirms that he damaged the fence of the President’s Administration.”

For his part, Tornike Mchedlishvili stated that his interest and intent were not to engage in vandalism or violence.

“My interest was not vandalism or violence. My actions were aimed at saving a person, whether it was a rally participant or a police officer. When I helped an activist, a few minutes later I helped a police officer and took him to the ambulance,” Mchedlishvili noted.

For reference, the investigation regarding individuals involved in the events at the Atoneli Palace is being conducted under Articles 317, 222, 225, and 187 of the Criminal Code.

Within the scope of this investigation, 23 individuals were detained, including 18 civic activists, with 5 accused of organizing the rally, among other charges. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 3 individuals are in hiding.