Indiko Bzhalava, a member of the movement to preserve Balda Canyon, was released on bail after 98 days in prison. The decision was made by Judge Levan Nutsubidze of the Senaki District Court during today's session.
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"We submitted a petition and demanded that the imprisonment be lifted. We argued and demonstrated that the case did not contain the necessary information to justify the use of imprisonment," said Keti Chutlashvili, a lawyer from the Social Justice Center who represents the activist's interests in court, in a statement to Georgian News.
The defense requested a bail of 5000 GEL for Indiko Bzhalava, which the prosecutor's office opposed.
"The court considered our petition and replaced Indiko Bzhalava's temporary imprisonment with a bail of 10 000 GEL as a preventive measure. As the judge explained, at this stage, there is no need for him to remain in custody, as any theoretical or hypothetical risks can be neutralized even under bail conditions," the lawyer added.
The next trial in Indiko Bzhalava's case is scheduled for October 3.
In Samegrelo, Martvili, activists opposing the alienation of the unique Balda Canyon and the establishment of tourist infrastructure there - who have been holding continuous protests for months - were attacked in their tent late on June 11. Armed assailants captured two Balda Canyon guards. Martvili police arrested brothers Gela and Giga Khurtsilavas on charges of attempted murder and making threats. On June 12, protest participant Indiko Bzhalava was also arrested, with the prosecutor’s office accusing him of threatening the life of Gela Khurtsilava’s wife, Sopio Shakulashvili, prior to the attack. According to a special report by Mtis Ambebi, the activist's arrest and subsequent illegal imprisonment were based on the testimony of the only witness, which had been falsified by the investigator handling the criminal case.
