Judge Nino Galustashvili Sentences 21-Year-Old Giorgi Mindadze to 5 Years in Prison

The prosecution charged Mindadze under Article 353 Prime, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which involves assaulting a police officer and carries a penalty of 4 to 7 years of imprisonment. According to the prosecution, on November 29, 2024, Mindadze threw fireworks at an employee of the Special Tasks Department, resulting in the police officer sustaining burns on his leg. 

At today's session, Giorgi Mindadze gave his final statement and addressed his supporters: 

"I would like to say that the judge’s decision does not hold great significance for me; what matters most to me is your well-being and safety. Therefore, regardless of the announced verdict, I ask you to calmly and quietly accept it. 

Do not leave the guys without supporters with your decision today. 99% of the guys believe that Lelo should not participate in the elections... We don't forget anyone, and we will decide our fate."

Parallel to the court proceedings, there was tension in the foyer. Bailiffs forcibly removed citizens from the building after they demanded to attend the trial. Their dissatisfaction stemmed from the decision to hold the session in a small courtroom. As Saba Skhvitaridze's mother, Elene Akhobadze, stated in an interview with "TV Pirveli," several people were injured as a result of the confrontation. 

"The bailiffs were beating us then, even when TV cameras could film, but today they were unbelievable. Two people have broken noses, and one has a sore side – these young people were taken to the hospital. One guy was grabbed by his beard and pulled out," said Elene Kobakhidze. 

On June 12, Judge Nino Galustashvili delivered a guilty verdict in the case of Mate Devidze, another participant in the pro-European protests. She found the 21-year-old Devidze guilty of assaulting a police officer and sentenced him to 4 years and 6 months of imprisonment.