The court has ordered custody as a measure of restraint for one of the leaders of the “United National Movement,” Giorgi Baramidze.

The decision was made by Judge Eka Barbakadze.

The accused was also present at the hearing.

For reference, one of the leaders of the “National Movement,” Giorgi Baramidze, was detained on charges of treason against the homeland, specifically sabotage. The case concerns a statement made by Baramidze about the war in Abkhazia. Specifically, that “at the initial stage of the 1992–1993 armed conflict in Abkhazia, representatives of the Georgian armed forces did not take prisoners and shot them on the spot.”

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, his statement caused damage to the reputation of the Defence Forces of Georgia, violated the honour and dignity of the veterans of the Abkhazian war and the fallen military servicemen. At the same time, Giorgi Baramidze’s action created a threat to the process of reconciliation and restoration of trust with the population affected by the conflict, damaged Georgia’s peace and de-occupation policy, and hindered the normal functioning of state agencies, including the activities of the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and the effective functioning of the mechanisms created by it in the direction of restoration of trust and cooperation.

The said charge provides for imprisonment of up to 4 years as a form and measure of punishment.