“I do not rule out that I may be handcuffed; I will go—what’s the problem? Let them decide where I am more useful, not for myself or my family, but for society,” said doctor Giorgi Chakhunashvili, a defendant in connection with the October 4 events.

According to him, he will use his final statement and explain to the judge what he did for the country and society before and after becoming a defendant, and why he considers himself innocent.

“In my closing statement in court, I will say what happened — that I was at the rally on October 4, what happened in the following days, what good I have done over these 8–9 months, and let them decide where I am more needed — outside, for society and my country Georgia, or in prison.

I am the first resuscitation doctor who performed resuscitation in the 1980s on Baku Street. I was young, I am a fighting man; as long as you have breath in you, you must fight. I considered it necessary to explain in my final statement why I believe I am right. Let them judge the rest.

Those who signed plea agreements — God bless them, they are good girls and boys. They considered it necessary in that way; I consider that I should act differently.

What should I apologize for? Explain it to me!

I do not rule out that I may be handcuffed; I will go—what’s the problem? Let them decide where I am more needed, not for myself or my family, but for society. I will be useful even there [in prison], and I will start providing free consultations from there,” Chakhunashvili said.

For context, the Tbilisi City Court held a hearing in the case related to the October 4 events near the Orbeliani Palace, involving defendants Giorgi Chakhunashvili, Ia Darakhvelidze, and five other individuals, where the defense lawyer for Ia Darakhvelidze delivered a closing statement.

It was also reported at the hearing that one of the defendants, Zakhro Albutashvili, is planning to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecution.

For context, the individuals detained in connection with the October 4 events — Konstantine Kokaia, Davit Zhghenti, Kakha Mzhavanadze, Davit Sturua, Zakhro Albutashvili, Giorgi Chakhunashvili, and Ia Darakhvelidze — were charged under Article 19-222, Part 2, Subparagraph “a” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to an attempt to seize or blockade strategically and specially important facilities committed by a group. They were also charged under Article 225, Part 2, which refers to participation in group violence.

Ia Darakhvelidze and Giorgi Chakhunashvili are currently released on bail.

In total, 64 individuals have been brought to criminal responsibility in connection with the October 4 events. At this stage, plea agreements have been reached with 22 individuals.