The Tbilisi City Court sentenced Nikoloz Gugeshashvili, who is charged with an act of violence against one of the founders and presenters of Formula TV, Misha Mshvildadze, to a prison term. Judge Davit Kurtanidze approved the prosecution's demand. The defense was requesting the release of the defendant on bail in the amount of 20 thousand GEL.
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The trial was attended by Vato Shakarishvili, the founder of the “Georgia First” movement, who said that he was ready to step in as the guarantor.
“Everyone should know - both the court and the government, that this decision will lead to very bad consequences. It does not serve the prevention of violence, but will further increase its scale.
The only connection I have with Nikoloz Gugeshashvili is in our values. He did what any of us present here would do. Mshvildadze, Japaridze, your TV company [referring to Pirveli TV channel] goons will pay for the violence against Georgian people,” stated Vato Shakarishvili.
Misha Mshvildadze was attacked on the evening of June 27, while entering a supermarket alone. On the following day, Nikoloz Gugeshashvili posted a statement on social media: “I am Nikoloz Gugeshashvili, from Gldani, a father of four. Yesterday, I was at Vazha-Pshavela Street, near Carrefour supermarket, where I beat Misha Mshvildadze. The reason for the assault was that he refers to the church as criminals, says that a cross is a symbol of violence, swears at the patriarch, Georgian nation, and protects homosexuals, also, insults me and my friends from Facebook. I am not going to hide,’’ wrote Nikoloz Gugeshashvili.
According to the statement by Gugeshashvili's lawyer, the defendant appeared at the investigative agency of his own will. He was charged under Article 126, Clause 1 of the Criminal Code, which implies beating or other violence. The crime is punishable by a fine or community service for a term of 120 to 180 hours or house arrest for a term of 6 months to 1 year or imprisonment for up to 1 year.
The next court session on the case will be held on August 22.
The attack on Misha Mshvildadze was likely organized in advance. Gugeshashvili admitted to the attack using similar wording and form to Soso Maisuradze, who confessed to the attack on Zurab Japaridze, leader of Girchi-More Freedom, a few days prior. Maisuradze named “insulting the patriarch and the church” as one of the motives for the attack.
Soso Maisuradze physically assaulted Zurab Japaridze on June 17, in the parking lot of the “Smart” supermarket located on Gori highway. At the same time of the attack, Vato Shakarishvili and his supporters stormed the Liberal Education Academy in Borjomi, where Japaridze was headed to hold a training session.
