The Tbilisi City Court has imposed detention as a preventive measure on ten individuals arrested in connection with the October 4 protest: Genadi Kelikhashvili, Dato Ghurtskaia, Ramaz Jorbenadze, Jandri Tirkia, Gia Toloraia, Guri Zhvania, Kakhaber Kvachantiradze, Simon Makharadze, Avtandil Topchishvili, and Mikheil Toloraia. With this decision, Judge Lela Kalichenko granted the prosecution’s motion.

Eight of the detained individuals—Simon Makharadze, Jandri Tirkia, Genadi Kelikhashvili, Guri Zhvania, Ramaz Jorbenadze, Mikheil Toloraia, Avtandil Topchishvili, and Gia Toloraia—are exercising their right to remain silent.

The other two individuals, Dato Ghurtskaia and Kakhaber Kvachantiradze, stated that they do not agree with the charges brought against them.

“On the 32nd anniversary of Georgia’s independence, we have transitioned from a democratic state to a totalitarian regime. I do not accept the charges. If loyalty to a democratic state, criticism of the so-called government collaborating with the Russian regime, and peaceful protest are considered crimes, then count me as guilty,” said the accused Kakhaber Kvachantiradze, addressing Judge Lela Kalichenko.

Regarding the prosecution’s position, Prosecutor Nugzar Chitadze requested detention for all ten accused individuals. During the hearing, the prosecutor stated that if the accused were to remain free, there is a risk of them absconding, committing new crimes, or obstructing the collection of evidence. He also cited the existence of video recordings as evidence.

The defense does not accept the risks outlined by the prosecution and completely rules them out. During the proceedings, some of the defense lawyers requested the complete release of their clients, while others requested the application of a less severe preventive measure. The proposed bail amounts ranged from 2,000 to 2,000 GEL.

For context, the prosecution accuses all ten individuals of attempting to seize a strategically important object in a group, as well as organizing and participating in group violence during the October 4 protest.