The trial of suspects involved in gang violence has commenced at the Tbilisi City Court. During the hearing, one of the suspects, Onise Tskhadadze, addressed the court, speaking about his father’s death. He attributed his father’s passing to the fret caused by his arrest.

“I have long overcome the fear of death. Because of this, I cannot bow my head or beg anyone to let me out. Don’t worry about me—focus on the country. I can bring three generations to the age my father died. No one at that age has died. When I was arrested, I saw for the first time that he had a hand on his heart. These days, I’ve been thinking about how to pay you back. I’m reminded of the movie Serial Killer. What you’re doing is manic. It is not about me to forgive you, but the day will come when everyone involved—starting with that helpful fellow next to you—will be held accountable. When you’re in prison and find your father dead at the gate—don’t you feel that? I want to thank the people who supported me personally. I’m glad I lived in a way that I deserved. This is my personal tragedy. Tomorrow, I expect the worst,” said Tskhadadze.

Judge Nino Galustashvili addressed Onise Tskhadadze, expressing understanding and explaining that she permitted him to speak out of compassion.

Meanwhile, defendant Andro Chichinadze commented on remarks made by members of the Georgian Dream at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Chichinadze criticised high-ranking officials of the Georgian Dream for violating the presumption of innocence and speaking as if they were incinerating police officers and throwing Molotov cocktails.

He warned that such statements would not go unchallenged.

“I’ll give a historical example. In Nazi Germany, criticizing the Führer was forbidden. A husband shared his opinion about the Führer with his wife. Later, they argued, and she reported on him. He was arrested. The prosecutor’s office sought to challenge the public criticism of the Führer. Isn’t it absurd? They argued that this man’s words could have spread among many, that his idea might have developed elsewhere, and therefore, he should have been sentenced to death. I see a clear parallel between then and now, regardless of the example. The Nazis lost the war and never had the chance to carry out that execution,” Andro Chichinadze stated.