Lawyers representing Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili, who were convicted for damaging the protective metal barrier at the Parliament building, have formally requested a pardon from President Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Attorney Davit Gamkrelidze stated that they submitted applications to the Presidential Administration, urging the President to issue a Pardoning Act.

“Previous lawyers involved in the case did not adequately represent the defendants, which could have led to sentences of 5-6 years in prison for the young men. After our engagement, negotiations took place with the plaintiff. Both convicts acknowledged their guilt, including the group crime, as corroborated by video evidence.

The state acted responsibly and chose not to unduly punish the young men—a plea agreement was signed, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. They have already served 9 months, and we did not wait for further developments. The judge delivered the verdict, after which we approached President Kavelashvili to request a Pardoning Act. We are hopeful that the President will grant them clemency,” he said.

Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili were arrested on May 14 during protests on Rustaveli Avenue and charged with damaging state property in a group at the entrance of Parliament. The court approved a plea agreement with them on January 20.