Lawyer Mariam Pataridze stated that, based on a decision by the prison administration, convicted poet Zviad Ratiani will serve his sentence under strict conditions.

As the lawyer told InterpressNews, she plans to appeal this decision in court, since “considering Zviad Ratiani’s personality, any such restriction is unjustified.”

According to the lawyer, Gldani Penitentiary Institution No. 8, where Ratiani is serving his sentence, already corresponds to a strict-type facility, and this additional restriction mainly limits the number of visits allowed.

“It is a fact that the prison administration made this decision, which we will of course challenge in court, because there are neither legal nor factual grounds to justify placing him under such a regime, given his personality. It appears this approach is somewhat standard toward individuals whose imprisonment is linked to protest actions. So, frankly, it was not surprising, though it is somewhat absurd to change the regime type for someone already held in a solitary cell. The stated reason was an increased risk stemming from Ratiani’s personality. Most likely, he will not be transferred and will remain there, since Gldani Prison No. 8 already meets the criteria of a strict facility—meaning the change mainly affects limitations on visits,” the lawyer said.

For reference, in October 2025, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani to two years in prison. The prosecution accused him of assaulting police officer Teimuraz Meshvelashvili. According to the prosecution, Ratiani struck Meshvelashvili in the face.

He was charged under Article 353¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (assault on a police officer in connection with official duties), which carries a penalty of 4 to 7 years in prison.