The Tbilisi City Court fined Mariam Tsitsikashvili 700 GEL and recognized her as a lawbreaker based on police testimony. Tsitsikashvili had criticized MP Viktor Japaridze for supporting the Russian Law, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs accusing him of petty hooliganism.
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"Police officers claimed I shouted 'slave' and 'traitor.' However, neither in my published video nor in the brief footage provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are these words audible," Mariam Tsitsikashvili stated after the trial.
Tsitsikashvili believes such rulings are intended to intimidate those critical of the Russian Law.
"They aim to silence citizens who speak truth to deputies, highlighting how their decisions undermine Georgia's democracy and its European future,
This outcome likely stems from Viktor Japaridze's actions, Mr. Japaridze, congratulations - you've fined me 700 GEL and branded me a lawbreaker," she added.
The decision will be appealed in the Court of Appeal.
Mariam Tsitsikashvili was administratively detained at Tbilisi International Airport on June 9, released after protocol was drawn up. This followed an argument with Viktor Japaridze, during which she accused him of betraying Georgia's democracy and European aspirations. Tsitsikashvili herself shared a video of part of the incident.
"You stand with those who've dismantled Georgia's democracy, pressed the button multiple times, and rejected Georgia's European future. You should be ashamed everywhere," Mariam Nchipashvili told Viktor Japaridze and his wife. In response, the MP called her impudent and immature, brushing off her remark about his immigrant background with, "You look like so."
Police intervened by arresting Mariam Tsitsikashvili and removing her friend, Irina Gurgenashvili, from the flight.
Tsitsikashvili works at the Georgia’s Reforms Association (GRASS). The organization denounced her detention as retaliation, asserting that her comments to Japaridze fell within the bounds of free speech, without resorting to obscenities or insults.
