On September 12, Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Enukidze found Irakli Nadiradze, a member of the opposition United National Movement, guilty of petty hooliganism and non-compliance with a lawful police order. He was fined GEL 2,500 (approximately USD 928). The court also fined Irakli Edzgveradze, another UNM member, GEL 2,700 (approximately USD 1000) on September 13.
Nadiradze was arrested on September 4 along with Edzgveradze under Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Code of Georgia. Nadiradze was released on parole shortly after his detention, while Edzgveradze was freed from the courtroom on September 6. Edzgveradze had allegedly been subjected to police violence, according to his lawyer.
Following the trial, Nadiradze stated that the case had nothing to do with an offense and was instead an attempt to hinder the opposition’s election campaign. He also pointed out the contradictory testimonies given by police officers during the trial.
The police accused Edzgveradze of interfering with their investigation into an alleged drug-related crime in the Gldani district of Tbilisi, where he lives. However, his lawyer claims that he was subjected to police violence.
This incident is seen by many as another attempt by the government to suppress the opposition and hinder their election campaign. The opposition has been facing various obstacles and challenges in the lead up to the October 2021 local elections.
Read More @ civil.ge