**Protester’s Emotional Appeal to Judge Falls on Deaf Ears**
In a heart-wrenching scene in court, Onise Tskhadadze, a protester detained during recent demonstrations, made a passionate plea to the judge presiding over the case of his fellow demonstrator, Mate Devizde. Despite his emotional appeal, the judge remained unmoved, sentencing Devizde to 4 years and 6 months in prison.
Tskhadadze’s words were laced with sadness and frustration as he addressed Judge Nino Galustashvili. “I want to tell Mate: there is no darkness where you will need to search for light, because people like you are the light, and you all will light up this country!” He emphasized that the court’s decision was a clear indication of what awaited others accused of participating in the protests.
Tskhadadze also took aim at the ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” which he claimed would not be in power forever. His comments hinted at the widespread discontent among Georgians with their current government and the country’s judicial system. He noted that the time will come when those who are currently in power will face justice themselves.
The protester’s words were a testament to his own resilience and hope for a better future. Despite feeling like he is 60 years old, having been through so much, Tskhadadze remained optimistic about the country’s prospects. “This country doesn’t belong to the judge, the prosecutor, or me – it belongs to you and your peers! This country belongs to Luka, and to those younger than you!”
Tskhadadze’s emotional appeal fell on deaf ears as the judge quickly adjourned the court, leaving Devizde with a lengthy prison sentence. The protester’s words were laced with sadness and frustration, but also with a sense of hope that one day justice will be served in Georgia.
**The Case Against Mate Devizde**
Mate Devizde, 21, was found guilty by the court for assaulting a police officer during a protest on November 19. The incident occurred at a rally on Melikishvili Avenue, where Devizde reportedly swung a flagpole at a police officer. Despite his emotional plea, Devizde was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison.
**A Nation Divided**
The case of Mate Devizde has sparked widespread outrage among Georgians, who feel that the country’s judicial system is biased against protesters. The sentence has been seen as a sign of the government’s willingness to crack down on dissenting voices. As Tskhadadze noted, “You’re sending them to prison… I won’t speak for everyone, but I will speak about one specific person – there is one small person sitting here, Luka Jambua…”
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