Lasha Sharukhia, member of the Conservative Movement/Alt Info party, who was apprehended on December 18 for removing and incinerating the EU flag from the Mtskheta City Hall premises, saw the court replace the pretrial detention with a bail of 2000 GEL, leading to his release from custody.
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The decision to grant Sharukhia release was rendered by Judge Rezo Nadoi, following the defense's petition, which was also acquiesced to by the prosecutor's office.The accused, unswervingly, admitted to burning the flag, asserting his motive as a stance against what he perceives as the proliferation of moral degradation symbolized by Sodom, particularly within the vicinity that includes the revered Patriarch Ilia II, Father Gabriel, and numerous saints.
“This outcome is a testament to the support and solidarity of the people. It is evident that without the earnest outcry and demonstrations, including the flag-burning campaign, such a result would have been unattainable. Initially, there was no intention to release Lasha Sharukhia, and the authorities sought to impose severe penalties. While the trial will proceed, this initial action marks a crucial step towards compelling the government to consider reason,” remarked Shota Martinenko, the leader of the Conservative Movement/Alt Info, a vehemently pro-Russian party.
In addition to leaders and supporters of Alt Info, members of the clergy also attended the court proceedings as a gesture of solidarity with Lasha Sharukhia. Among them was Deacon Andria Jagmaidze, the head of the public relations service of the Patriarchate of Georgia.
“From the outset, the Patriarchate held the view that the detention of this individual appeared disproportionate to us. In general, given that legislation is an ongoing creative process, there are numerous aspects within Georgia's legal framework that warrant review to ensure alignment with moral principles. Laws should be crafted to resonate with the traditions and cultural values of the country's populace,” stated Jagmaidze.
The substantive hearing of Sharukhia's case will commence at 12:00 on February 16 in the Mtskheta District Court. He has been charged under Article 187, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to the intentional damaging of property by setting it on fire. The offense carries a penalty of three to six years of imprisonment.
Members and supporters of Alt-Info have publicly burned EU flags on several occasions in the past. During a protest on March 14, 2023, they vandalized a flag displayed near the parliament building. On that occasion, the leader of the radical movement, Zurab Makharadze, along with four others, was fined 1000 GEL.
The flag situated in front of the Parliament was removed and incinerated during a rally on July 6, 2021. Subsequently, amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offenses, stipulating that desecration of the flag or emblem of the European Union, NATO, or another international organization displayed by a public institution incurs a fine of 1000 GEL for individuals. Repeat offenses may result in a fine of 2000 GEL or up to 15 days of administrative detention.
