Former Georgian MP Luka Kurtanidze Remanded Over Ex-Wife Violence Charges

Kurtanidze, who was arrested on July 27, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer had sought his release on ₾50,000 ($18,500) bail.

"The court completely agreed with the prosecution's arguments," Prosecutor Davit Kirtskheli told journalists. "We highlighted the risks of him influencing witnesses, fleeing, and committing further crimes. Considering the nature of the offense, the intensity of the accused's actions over time, his character, and the specific facts of the case, there was a genuine danger of him reoffending, and the court acknowledged all of this."

Following the hearing, Kurtanidze also addressed reporters. As police officers escorted him from the courthouse to a waiting vehicle, he told a journalist he would greet imprisoned opposition politicians in jail.

"I will greet Nikanor Melia and everyone else who is in prison, I will also greet Khazaradze," Kurtanidze said. "I will talk to them about the truth because you, the UNM members, are very far from God."

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 17 at noon.

On July 27, TV Pirveli released video footage filmed by Khatuna Mikatsadze on her phone, which reportedly shows Kurtanidze running towards the woman. Several individuals, including one police officer, unsuccessfully attempted to restrain him before Kurtanidze allegedly tackled and beat the woman.

Mikatsadze's voice can be heard in the footage, calling Kurtanidze a "thief" and "abuser," and questioning police officers why they weren't arresting him.

Later, Mikatsadze gave an interview to TV Pirveli from an ambulance. She displayed visible injuries on her arms, hands, and neck, and stated she also had injuries on her knees.

"This isn't the first, second, or even tenth time," Mikatsadze said. "Every time I went to the police, they told me that because he's Eldar Kurtanidze, we shouldn't 'sacrifice' him, and should limit it to psychological violence. I hope now, with police officers witnessing this physical assault, they can no longer claim it was just psychological," Khatuna Mikatsadze said. Luka Kurtanidze was prohibited from approaching her.

Police arrested Kurtanidze on the same day. The Prosecutor's Office subsequently charged him with violence against a family member, intentionally damaging a family member's property, and failing to comply with the requirements and obligations of a protective order issued against him.

Before the charges were formally filed, Kurtanidze's lawyer, Ivane Meparishvili, stated that his client maintains his innocence. "He claims this is a political provocation against him ahead of the elections," the lawyer told TV Pirveli. "He is associated with Georgian Dream, which is why certain groups are attempting to create a public perception that Georgian Dream members abuse women and are abusers."

If convicted, Luka Kurtanidze faces up to 5 years in prison.