TBILISI, February 5 – A Tbilisi court on Thursday heard sharply contrasting accounts of the October 4 rally outside the presidential palace, as prosecutors, defense lawyers and witnesses clashed over what happened.
The case involves ten defendants, including opposition politicians Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze and Paata Manjgaladze. Prosecutors accuse several of attempting to seize or block a strategically important object, organizing group violence, and publicly calling for the violent overthrow of Georgia’s constitutional order. Some charges carry possible prison sentences of up to nine years.
During the hearing, a court-appointed commodity expert testified that sections of the presidential palace fence were damaged during the protest, estimating total damage at 9,300 lari (3,500 USD). He said the fence was not corroded and showed signs of deformation, broken welds and partial detachment.
Testimony from law enforcement witnesses focused on the atmosphere at the protest. A special forces officer told the court that demonstrators acted aggressively, threw objects and urged police officers to defect. He said he was struck by a stone and later treated at a clinic.
Defense lawyers challenged that account, pressing the witness on whether he observed any organized assault, coordinated groups or use of weapons. One defendant argued in court that the testimony described clashes typical of protests rather than a planned or violent takeover.
The hearing also featured tense exchanges between prosecutors and defense lawyers. At one point, a prosecutor rebuked a defense attorney during questioning, prompting the judge to intervene.
Another witness from the State Special Protection Service testified that protest organizers demanded access to the palace and that he heard slogans calling for control of the building. Under questioning, he said he was unaware of any advance intelligence about the protest’s alleged plans.
Further witnesses are expected to testify in coming days as the trial continues.
