**Witness Testifies in Doctor’s Trial, Reveals Details of Police Stop**
A witness took the stand in the trial of doctor Giorgi Akhobadze, accused of a drug-related offense. Levan Beridze, who was with Akhobadze at the time police stopped their car, described the events leading up to and following the arrest.
Beridze had come from western Georgia to attend a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, where he met up with his friend Giorgi Akhobadze. According to Beridze, they were handing out food and water to protesters when police stopped their car.
The witness recounted that police searched both him and Akhobadze, who was allegedly involved in a large-scale drug operation. The offense is punishable by 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
**Tensions Rise as Witness Describes Police Encounter**
During his testimony, tensions rose between the witness and Judge Romeo Tkeshelashvili when Beridze requested permission to shake Akhobadze’s hand. However, the judge denied the request twice, asking the witness to be serious.
Beridze described how police stopped their car on the embankment after passing the Queen Tamar Bridge. He said that more cars appeared, which were not patrol vehicles, and that officers ordered them not to move or lift their hands.
The witness recounted how he was made to remove his socks and stand barefoot for 15 minutes. He also described hearing Giorgi Akhobadze shouting “Don’t hit him!” as police officers struggled with him.
**Witness Defends Friend, Says He’s in the Right**
Beridze defended his friend, saying that he is absolutely in the right. The witness stated that if his mother had lived longer, it was thanks to Giorgi Akhobadze. Beridze also expressed hope that his children would grow up to be like his friend.
**Trial Continues Amid Controversy**
The trial of Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze has been surrounded by controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the charges against him. The witness’s testimony sheds light on the events leading up to the arrest and may raise questions about police conduct during the stop.
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