According to the information from the witnesses, including Giorgi Vashadze, Elene Khoshtaria, and Nika Melia, they were directly involved not only in calls that were directed toward violent actions, but also in the actions themselves, such as the attempt to break through the police cordon and enter the Parliament building. The witness mentioned that Giorgi Gakharia was present at the rally and also spoke about his actions, - this was stated by the prosecutor in the so-called “sabotage case,” Ani Khubedzhashvili, to journalists after the end of the court hearing on the so-called “sabotage case.”

According to her, four witnesses from the prosecution side were questioned today in this criminal case. All four are law enforcement officers who, according to the prosecutor’s explanation, were present in the area around the Parliament from November 28 to December 3, 2024, and were maintaining public order.

“They told us today about the actions of the persons charged in the case at the time when the rally was acquiring a violent character. From the information provided by the witnesses, today we learned that several persons charged in the case, including Giorgi Vashadze, Elene Khoshtaria, and Nika Melia, were directly involved not only in calls that were directed toward violent actions, but also in the actions themselves, such as the direct attempt to break through the police cordon, the chain, and enter the Parliament building. In addition, the witnesses told us that the calls were directly related to the need to enter the Parliament building, and they were also insulting toward law enforcement officers and were directed toward causing a confrontation between law enforcement officers and citizens present on the spot,” Ani Khubedzhashvili stated.

The prosecutor also informed that the witness mentioned the former Prime Minister and leader of the party “Gakharia For Georgia,” Giorgi Gakharia. According to Ani Khubedzhashvili, the witness mentioned that Giorgi Gakharia was present at the rally and also spoke about his actions.

“I have no reason to question the information provided by the witness, but Giorgi Gakharia is not charged in this case, and I cannot speak about his actions or his guilt. Specifically, when we talk about the guilt of a specific person, in this case, it is important not only one explanation, but the totality of evidence that is presented in relation to each defendant in this particular criminal case,” Ani Khubedzhashvili stated.

For information: In the so-called “sabotage case,” charges have been brought against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze.

More specifically:- Giorgi Vashadze and Zurab Girchi Japaridze have been charged under Article 318 (Part 1) and Article 319 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which involves sabotage and assistance in hostile activities for a foreign country. The penalty is 7 to 15 years of imprisonment.- Elene Khoshtaria has been charged under Article 318 (Part 1), Article 319, and Article 321¹ (Part 1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which involves sabotage, providing material resources for the commission of the crime, and assistance in hostile activities for a foreign country.- Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze have been charged under Article 318 (Part 1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which involves sabotage.- Mikheil Saakashvili has been charged under Article 317 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which involves public calls for the violent change of Georgia’s constitutional order or the overthrow of state authority.