The Tbilisi City Court has found defendants Giorgi Chakhunashvili, Ia Darakhvelidze, Davit Zhghenti, Konstantine Kokaia, Kakhaber Mzhavanadze, Zakro Albutashvili, and Davit Sturua guilty in connection with the events that unfolded near the Atoneli Presidential Palace on October 4.

Judge Giorgi Gelashvili delivered the ruling. According to the verdict, all seven defendants were convicted of the charges brought against them and sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from three to five years.
Dr Giorgi Chakhunashvili, who had previously been released on bail, was arrested and taken into custody inside the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Ia Darakhvelidze, who had also been at liberty on bail, did not attend the sentencing hearing. She was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. A wanted notice will be issued for her arrest, and the judge’s verdict will be executed once her whereabouts are established and she is detained.

For context, all individuals arrested in connection with the October 4 developments were charged under Subparagraph “a” of Part 2 of Article 19-222 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to the attempted seizure or blocking of strategic facilities or properties of special importance, committed by a group. They were further charged under Part 2 of Article 225 of the Criminal Code, which involves participation in group violence.

Plea bargains have already been concluded for 22 of the 64 defendants implicated in the case.