“Raise your hands and don’t act like slaves,” said Georgia’s third president Mikheil Saakashvili, addressing an escort service officer standing in a special glassed-in area designated for the defendants.

Following this, Judge Valerian Bugianishvili told Saakashvili that “rules exist,” to which the former president replied: “You are dishonorable.”

Bugianishvili warned him again to maintain order. He then asked Saakashvili whether he had been informed of his rights.

“I was informed that I have no rights,” Saakashvili replied, after which the judge asked, “How should one know this?”

“I’m telling you, everyone knows I have no rights,” Saakashvili said, prompting the judge to order him to stand up.

“What do you mean I should stand?! I’m not in school! I have the right to stand; this isn’t Nuca’s school!” Saakashvili responded. The judge issued another warning.

“Let’s respect each other; I can impose a sanction,” Bugianishvili addressed the former president.

“You show no respect. Remember this man’s name and surname well,” Saakashvili replied.

The judge explained that if Saakashvili made another remark, he would be removed from the courtroom. Bugianishvili then asked if he considered himself guilty.

“I plead not guilty to the charge of insulting the shark,” Saakashvili stated. The judge again admonished him and instructed him to answer the question.

For reference: In the so-called sabotage case, the Office of the Prosecutor General has charged Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze.

Specific charges:

• Giorgi Vashadze and Zurab Japaridze: Charged under Articles 318(1) and 319 of the Criminal Code - sabotage and assistance in hostile activities for a foreign state. Penalties: 7-15 years in prison.

• Elene Khoshtaria: Charged under Articles 318(1), 319, and 321 prima(1) - sabotage, provision of material resources for the crime, and assistance in hostile activities for a foreign state.

• Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze: Charged under Article 318(1) - sabotage.

• Mikheil Saakashvili: Charged under Article 317 - incitement to overthrow the constitutional order or state authority by force.

Pretrial measures:

• Giorgi Vashadze and Zurab Japaridze: 30,000 GEL bail.

• Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze: 1,000,000 GEL bail.