Olympic champion, judoka Zurab Zviadauri, has been sentenced to imprisonment pending trial. The Tbilisi City Court Judge Davit Kurtanidze made the decision.

According to the prosecutor, there is an increased risk that Zviadauri may commit a new offence, prompting the request for detention as a preventive measure. The prosecutor highlighted concerns about potential evidence tampering, pressure on witnesses, and Zviadauri’s possible flight.

The defence opposed the motion, requesting that Zviadauri be released on bail of GEL 20,000. However, the court declined this petition.

Zurab Zviadauri has chosen to exercise his right to remain silent.

Law enforcement detained Olympic Champion Zurab Zviadauri on September 16, and he faces charges under Article 236, Parts 3 and 4 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, relating to the illegal possession, storage, and carrying of firearms and ammunition. The offence carries a sentence of 4 to 7 years.