The six police officers accused of violence against Papuna Lotsulashvili and Lasha Abisonashvili — Alexi Badalovi, Beso Malatsidze, Giorgi Tskrialashvili, Saba Tsavelidze, Ivane Misireli, Vladimir Goderdzishvili, and Beso Malatsidze — have been placed in pretrial detention.

The decision was made by Judge Germane Dadeshkeliani of the Gori District Court.

None of the detained police officers attended the hearing.

The Prosecutor’s Office requested pretrial detention as a preventive measure for the officers. Prosecutor Nino Zurabashvili argued that there were both factual and formal grounds for imposing detention on all six defendants.

According to the prosecutor, there is a risk that the defendants could flee, destroy evidence, or influence witnesses.

The prosecutor stated that, due to their official positions, the accused officers were primarily obligated to maintain public order rather than commit the acts in question. Zurabashvili argued that only detention could ensure the goals of the preventive measure.

The defense opposed the motion.

According to Zaza Mindiashvili, lawyer for Giorgi Tskrialashvili, his client admits guilt and has cooperated with the investigation from the very first day; therefore, there is no risk of absconding. The lawyer requested his release on 5,000 GEL bail.

Zurab Kapanadze, lawyer for police officer Saba Tsavelidze, explained that his client is 19 years old. According to the lawyer, Tsavelidze has actively cooperated with the investigation as required. Kapanadze argued that young age is not merely a biological circumstance and that a 19-year-old person has rehabilitation potential, making imprisonment at such an age inappropriate. He added that the defendant has no criminal history and has never committed violent acts in the past.

According to Kapanadze, the aims of the preventive measure could be achieved through bail, house arrest, electronic monitoring, or mandatory reporting to the police.

Beso Malatsidze’s lawyer also opposed the prosecution’s motion and requested 5,000 GEL bail for his client.

Lawyer Vano Samkharadze, representing Vladimir Goderdzishvili and Ivane Misireli, requested their release on 5,000 GEL bail each.

Samkharadze stated that Goderdzishvili remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment. According to the lawyer, the case materials establish that the officer’s injuries were inflicted by Papuna Lotsulashvili. Samkharadze said that Goderdzishvili has fully admitted guilt and acknowledged the charges. According to the defense lawyer, Ivane Misireli has also admitted guilt and asked for forgiveness.

Alexi Badalovi’s lawyer, Nodar Tsintsadze, also opposed the prosecution’s motion. According to him, Badalovi arrived at the scene after the conflict had already begun. The lawyer stated that his client arrived following a notification from the criminal police.

Tsintsadze also requested his client’s release on 5,000 GEL bail.

Prosecutor Misha Beriashvili responded to the defense motions, stating that the investigation has obtained multiple direct pieces of evidence, including video footage clearly showing police officers assaulting the victims. According to the prosecutor, Alexi Badalovi was also involved in violence against Lasha Abisonashvili, specifically by grabbing him by the collar.

At the same time, Beriashvili noted that the identities of other individuals involved have not yet been established, and similar investigative procedures are continuing intensively.

“This is not an ordinary case. The defendants are police officers, and besides those already detained, other individuals are also involved... Out of the six defendants, four point to their own actions, and even then inaccurately. Had they cooperated properly, other individuals would also have been identified. Some have already been identified, others will be identified. There were attempts on their part to mislead the investigation,” the prosecutor stated.

Judge Germane Dadeshkeliani granted the prosecution’s motion.

The pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 24 at 12:00.

For reference, in Gori, in the so-called “Kombinati” settlement, law enforcement officers physically assaulted two individuals — Papuna Lotsulashvili and his friend.

In connection with the incident, six law enforcement officers have been arrested. They have been charged under Article 333, Part 3, Subparagraph “b” of the Criminal Code, which concerns abuse of official authority committed with violence. The offense carries a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 8 years.

At the same time, an investigation has also been launched against Papuna Lotsulashvili under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which concerns violence against a police officer.