Court sentences Vakho Sanaia to 6 days; Jobava and Chubinidze to 14 days

23:19, 19.10.2025

Tbilisi City Court has sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to six days of administrative detention for blocking the road during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue on October 18. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Sanaia “artificially blocked the road” during the demonstration.

Along with Sanaia, the court also sentenced Levan Jobava and Shalva Chubinidze to 14 days in administrative detention.

Trials for other individuals detained in connection with the October 18 protest were also held throughout the day.

The Interior Ministry stated that the protesters violated Article 11 of the Law of Georgia “On Assemblies and Manifestations,” which prohibits the artificial blocking of roadways unless the size of the gathering makes it unavoidable. The ministry also said several demonstrators had their faces covered, which it described as an additional violation of the law.

According to the MIA, 27 individuals have been identified as violators. Some have already been detained, while administrative proceedings are ongoing for the others. Their cases are expected to be reviewed by the court in the coming days.

By - Tamar Tabatadze

Justice/Crime

October 18 protest

Tbilisi City Court

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