A pre-trial hearing was held at the Tbilisi City Court for 13 individuals detained in connection with the events near the Presidential Palace on October 4. The hearing focused on the admissibility of evidence and reviewed the preventive measures imposed on the detainees.

Prosecutors argued that the imprisonment of the defendants should remain in place due to the risk of flight and potential for committing new crimes. Defense lawyers, however, claim the detainees are being politically persecuted and requested their release on bail.

Judge Nato Khujadze decided to keep all defendants in custody.

The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Simon Makharadze, Kakhaber Kvachantiradze, Gia Toloraia, Mikheil Toloraia, Avtandil Topchishvili, Iuri Lomidze, Davit Giunashvili, Giorgi Talakhadze, Beka Machavariani, Manuchar Mikeladze, Saba Kordzaia, Giorgi Kirvalidze, and Koba Epitashvili under Article 19-222, Part 2, Subparagraph “a” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to an attempt to seize and block objects of strategic and special importance as a group. They are also charged under Article 225, Part 2, relating to participation in group violence.