“The government we have today, with Ivanishvili and Kobakhidze, must all be overthrown. This is the only way. This frightens people, but in reality there is nothing dangerous here... This does not mean that the whole of Georgia must take part in it. We must judge everyone in this courtroom. Most likely, you will have to try these ‘Georgian Dream’ officials, prosecutors,” said former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia, addressing Judge Lela Kalichenko.

Akhalaia made this statement during today’s pre-trial hearing in his new criminal case, which concerns charges of incitement to overthrow the government.

During the hearing, the prosecution presented evidence, part of which the defense did not dispute. The prosecution argues that there are no grounds to terminate the prosecution and that the case should proceed to trial on the merits.

Akhalaia himself stated that he does not consider himself guilty. Addressing the judge, he said the case should not proceed to trial.

“The case should not go to a full trial because no Georgian has the moral right to judge another for wanting the overthrow of an occupying regime,” Akhalaia said.

For reference, Bacho Akhalaia has been charged under Article 317 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns public calls for the violent change of Georgia’s constitutional order and the overthrow of state authority. The offense carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison.

In addition, in another case related to the October 4 events, he has been charged under Article 225(1) of the Criminal Code for organizing and leading group violence, which carries a penalty of up to 9 years in prison.