UNM’s Zodelava: You cannot fabricate criminal gangs from us; we are not criminals

“You cannot fabricate violent criminal gangs from us who organised violence. October 4 was the final episode of a two-year popular and humane protest. Our motivation was not mercenary; we are not criminals,” stated Murtaz Zodelava, member of the United National Movement, at today’s court hearing.

Zodelava appealed to the court, requesting that either plea agreements be made available to those arrested in connection with the October 4 attempted coup or some other form of resolution be considered.

“Government propaganda is working against us. We are being portrayed as a criminal organisation, a violent group. I recall the trial of Mkhedrioni; the same government propaganda was at work then. Well, I have a political background, but amongst the 63 arrested are people of every category, a woman with a disabled child, and every fourth person has reached retirement age.

Propaganda has enormous power when it wraps things up like this; you cannot fabricate violent criminal gangs from us that organised violence. October 4 was the final episode of a two-year popular and humane protest. Our motivation was not mercenary; we are not criminals.

How can one extract a violent group from ordinary, law-abiding people? In public and on television broadcasts, we use the word ‘peace’ more frequently than members of Georgian Dream do. I am prepared to take upon myself all unjust charges. I am ready for this. The moral responsibility I bear for October 4 is that I cannot shift the burden onto others. I have greater obligations. In my appeal, I mentioned men because a woman has become a symbol of victimhood. This has made propaganda’s job easier. Therefore, I repeat that I am prepared to take all charges upon myself; add more if you wish, if it makes it possible for the prosecution to show lenient treatment towards people who are innocent in this case. This is my logical, if you will, humane request, which I present without any complexes. I ask you to make either plea agreements available to these people, or some other form if possible,” Murtaz Zodelava stated.

Regarding the organisers, Zodelava stated at the court hearing:
“This group was simply a political performance, accompanying the demonstration; someone had to liaise with the media. That was its only purpose. There is no evidence confirming that any of them participated in any organisation. Obviously, this does not mean such an organisation existed.”

Additionally, Murtaz Zodelava addressed the imprisoned Zura Chavchavadze and asked him to end his hunger strike.

“I want to appeal to Chavchavadze; his health is being damaged, and perhaps he should stop the hunger strike. Perhaps some circumstances could ensure he is not harmed. Additionally, I would suggest that a different approach might be taken towards Eva Shanshiashvili. In this case, it concerns seriously ill and retirement-age individuals. It is more damaging for all of you, I mean everyone, how can you extract a violent group leader from Eva Shanshiashvili? She is simply an ordinary woman,’’ stated Zodelava.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested Murtaz Zodelava on October 5. Zodelava has been charged with organising and leading group violence, attempting to seize strategically and particularly significant facilities, and calling for the violent overthrow of Georgia’s constitutional order and the subversion of state power. The charges carry a sentence of up to nine years’ imprisonment.