**Convicts in the July 5 Case Released from Prison**
The release of two convicts, Davit Kutaladze and Tornike Davlasheridze, has sparked controversy. They were serving their sentences for physical violence against journalists and cameramen, including TV First cameraman Lekso Lashkarava.
According to the report, the court had already been lenient in its sentence, removing one article that carried a heavier penalty. As a result, they were supposed to be released from prison in 2025. However, amnesty was applied to their case, which should not have been done according to the law.
**GYLA Chairman Speaks Out**
Nona Kurdovanidze, chairman of GYLA (Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association), expressed her concerns on social media. She stated that one of the conditions for joining the European Union was a full investigation into the events of July 5 and no benefits for those already punished.
“The organizers of the violence are still unpunished,” Kurdovanidze wrote. “It is interesting to know on what other basis they received benefits. We will address this question publicly to the Penitentiary Department.”
**Amnesty Law Used**
Tornike Davlasheridze’s lawyer, Gela Nikoleishvili, confirmed that his client had been released from prison due to amnesty. According to available information, several other persons convicted in the case of July 5 have also left the prison.
**Background**
On July 5, 2021, a group of people were arrested for violent actions against media representatives and obstruction of their professional activities. A total of 27 people were charged, with some facing more severe penalties than others. The case had 56 victims, including 47 journalists.
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