**11 People Arrested During Pro–European Rally Remain in Custody**
On January 10, a Tbilisi City Court Judge made the decision to keep 11 people arrested during a pro-European rally near the Parliament building last December in custody. The group was charged with participating in group violence during the protests.
The defendants, who include actor Andro Chichinadze and comedian Onise Tskhadadze, will remain in custody until March. They were accused of breaking Article 225 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of 4 to 6 years’ imprisonment.
**Public Outcry**
The decision sparked public discontent, with those present in the court session hall chanting “slaves” and “Russians!” The next hearing is scheduled for March 5. Outside the courthouse, striking theater workers, civil society activists, and politicians gathered to show support for the detainees.
**Defense Lawyers Call for Release**
During the hearing, defense lawyers requested that the detainees be released without pre-trial detention or bail as an alternative. However, the prosecution maintained its position and asked the court to keep all 11 in custody.
Prosecutor Vazha Todua stated that the defendants were accused of offenses against public order and security, including participation in group violence. The prosecution claimed that there were investigative measures to be taken in the case, which the defendants could interfere with if they were released.
**Defendants Speak Out**
Some of the arrested addressed the court, expressing their innocence. Revaz Kiknadze said he did not belong to any group and was not involved in violence during the protests. Andro Chichinadze compared the situation to a character from Kafka’s novel, saying it reminded him of uncertainty.
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