The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Demetre Chikovani to 9 years and 9 months in prison and Ani Naskidashvili to 5 years and 3 months in prison in connection with the murder of teacher Giga Avaliani. The ruling was delivered by Judge Demetre Jinjolia.

According to the judge's decision, Chikovani was initially sentenced to 13 years in prison. However, under Georgia's Juvenile Justice Code, his sentence was reduced by one quarter, resulting in a final sentence of 9 years and 9 months of imprisonment.

Naskidashvili was initially sentenced to 7 years in prison, but her sentence was also reduced by one quarter under the Juvenile Justice Code, resulting in a final sentence of 5 years and 3 months of imprisonment.

Before sentencing at today's hearing, the judge asked both parties to present their positions regarding punishment. The prosecution requested the maximum sentence for the convicted juveniles, arguing that such reckless conduct must be punished and that the sentence would serve as a deterrent and example to others.

The defense emphasized the defendants' young age and noted that neither had previously been in conflict with the law, arguing that the maximum sentence should not be imposed.

"With your fearless words, you honorably defended the dignity of a worthy young man. May you live a happy life, Your Honor," Giga Avaliani's mother told the judge after the verdict was announced.

At the previous hearing, Judge Jinjolia found Chikovani and Naskidashvili guilty of the charges against them, while today's hearing was dedicated to determining their sentences.

The prosecution accused Chikovani of preparing an attack on Giga Avaliani, while Naskidashvili was charged with failing to report a particularly serious crime.

For reference, the court found Chikovani guilty under Article 18 and Article 117, Part 3, Subparagraph "l" of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns the preparation of a group-inflicted intentional grievous bodily injury. The offense carries a penalty of up to 13 years of imprisonment.

Naskidashvili was found guilty under Article 376, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, which concerns the failure to report a particularly serious crime and carries a sentence of up to 7 years of imprisonment.

In addition to this case, the prosecution had charged Chikovani with five separate offenses, including preparing to inflict grievous bodily harm on Giga Avaliani and organizing and participating in violent group actions in the Didi Digomi district of Tbilisi. In that case, he was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison. Alongside Chikovani, Aleksandre Gabashvili and Giorgi Rikadze were also tried and sentenced to 10 years and 6 months each.

According to the prosecution, on October 1, 2025, under a plan devised by Gabashvili, Rikadze, and Chikovani, Gabashvili and Rikadze carried out a group attack on Giga Avaliani, causing him grievous bodily injuries. Avaliani later died in a medical facility on October 24, 2025, as a result of those injuries.

The prosecution further stated that Ani Naskidashvili was aware that a serious crime was being planned and had been committed, but failed to inform law enforcement authorities.