The case of 8 politicians accused in the so-called sabotage case — Mikheil Saakashvili, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Elene Khoshtaria — has been referred to the court for substantive examination. This decision was made by Judge Valerian Bugianishvili.

At today’s session, the admissibility of evidence was discussed. The judge recognized all evidence obtained by both the prosecution and the defense as admissible.

Additionally, the court considered whether the case should be referred for substantive consideration. The next hearing is scheduled for February 23 at 1:00 PM.

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

Specifically:

Giorgi Vashadze and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze are charged under Article 318(1) and Article 319 of the Criminal Code, covering sabotage and assisting a foreign country in hostile activities. These charges carry a sentence of 7–15 years imprisonment.

Elene Khoshtaria is charged under Articles 318(1), 319, and 321¹(1), covering sabotage, providing material resources for the crime, and assisting a foreign country in hostile activities.

Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze are charged under Article 318(1), covering sabotage.

Mikheil Saakashvili is charged under Article 317, which covers calls to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order or overthrow state power.

As a preventive measure, Giorgi Vashadze and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze have bail set at 30,000 GEL each, while Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze have bail set at 1 million GEL each.