**Court Hearing Reveals Shocking Twist in Libel Case**
A surprising development emerged during a court hearing today, as journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani revealed that Mamuka Mdinaradze, not Georgian Dream MPs Tea Tsulukiani or Mariam Lashkhi, had sued her for a Facebook status. According to Zhorzholiani, evidence was presented at the hearing, including offensive remarks made by Mikheil Kavelashvili while he was a member of parliament.
In an interview, Zhorzholiani shared her thoughts on the unexpected turn of events. “Today we learned a very interesting fact,” she said. “It turned out that not Tea Tsulukiani or Mariam Lashkhi, but Mamuka Mdinaradze sued us. Mamuka Mdinaradze filed a lawsuit. That is, Mamuka Mdinaradze decided that the status I wrote with the goose emoji was offensive.” Zhorzholiani noted that she had demanded that Tsulukiani and Lashkhi be questioned, suggesting they may not feel insulted by the Facebook status.
**Freedom of Speech Under Scrutiny**
Zhorzholiani’s team presented evidence at the hearing, including foul language used by Georgian Dream MPs during their time in parliament. This move was intended to highlight how those suing her today understand freedom of speech. They also presented an interview with Tea Tsulukiani from 2019, where she stated that “insult cannot be made punishable, foul language cannot be made punishable, because in this case, we would all have to go to prison.” At the time, Tsulukiani was the Minister of Justice.
**Next Hearing Scheduled**
The hearing will resume on June 13 at 12:00. Zhorzholiani’s comments shed light on a complex libel case that has sparked debate about freedom of speech and the roles of public figures in Georgia.
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