Judge Meia Melkadze has decided to keep in custody the individuals detained in the October 4 case: Avtandil Surmanidze, Temur Kurtsikidze, Giorgi Muladze, Mamuka Labuchidze, Nana Sander, Beka Kelekhsashvili, Guriel Kvardava, Abo Naveriani, Aleksandre Khabeshvili, Vakhtang Fitkhelauri, and Anton Uperi. The latter remains wanted, therefore pre-trial detention was imposed in absentia.

Mariami Meqantsishvili is also charged in the case but was released on bail. Vakhtang Fitkhelauri did not attend the hearing.

The defendants face different charges:

Beka Kelekhsashvili, Mamuka Labuchidze, Guriel Kvardava, Aleksandre Khabeshvili, Abo Naveriani, Temur Kurtsikidze, Giorgi Muladze, Vakhtang Fitkhelauri, and Anton Uperi are accused of:

  • Participation in group violence (Article 225, Part 2);
  • Attempted seizure and blocking of strategic and special-importance facilities, committed by a group (Articles 19–222, Part 2(a)).

Avtandil Surmanidze is charged only with participation in group violence (Article 225, Part 2).

Mariami Meqantsishvili faces one charge: organizing group actions (Article 226).

Nana Sander is charged with two offenses: organizing group actions (Article 226) and calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order and state authorities (Article 317).

None of the defendants admit guilt.

Prosecutors Tamar Iakobidze and Lasha Tskvitaiа requested that all defendants remain under the same preventive measures as before. The defense argued that the detainees should be released on various bail amounts. For example:

  • Surmanidze, Labuchidze, Kvardava, and Naveriani’s lawyers requested 5,000 GEL bail;
  • Kurtsikidze and Muladze’s lawyers requested 15,000 GEL;
  • Kelekhsashvili’s lawyer requested 20,000 GEL;
  • Fitkhelauri and Khabeshvili’s lawyers asked the judge to determine the minimum bail amount herself;
  • Uperi’s lawyer (as he is wanted) requested that no preventive measure be applied at all.

All defense lawyers stated they were ready to accept any alternative preventive measure except imprisonment.

One of the defendants, Guriel Kvardava, said:  “I realize that I took some steps without fully thinking them through, but I complied with the lawful order and turned back. I have absolutely no reason to flee or go anywhere else, and you can trust me on that.”