TBILISI, February 5 – Georgia’s appeals court on Thursday heard the defense’s closing arguments in the case of Andro Chichinadze, a jailed actor who is also listed in the cast of an upcoming Hollywood action film starring Liam Neeson.
Chichinadze is facing trial along with ten other defendants for organized group violence and convicted over anti-government protests held in late 2024.
The hearing took place at the Tbilisi Court of Appeal and relates to demonstrations in November and December 2024. All eleven defendants attended the session, where the presiding judge listened to the defense’s final submissions.
Chichinadze and the other defendants were convicted last year by Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili of participating in organized group violence. Each was sentenced to two years in prison.
Prosecutors originally charged the group under Article 225, Part Two of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers participation in organized group violence and carries a potential sentence of four to six years in prison. The trial court ultimately convicted the defendants and imposed two-year sentences.
At the appeal stage, prosecutors are asking the court to reinstate the original charge and uphold convictions under Article 225 as initially filed. Defense lawyers, by contrast, are seeking full acquittals.
Chichinadze has drawn international attention because public film listings show him credited as a cast member in an upcoming U.S. action movie directed by Guy Moshe and starring Neeson. According to those listings, his role is identified as a U.S. Marine named Washington. Filming for the movie took place in the United States in 2024.
The appeals court is expected to continue reviewing the case after hearing the defense’s closing arguments. No ruling was announced on Thursday.
