**Prosecutors Reduce Charges Against Activist Saba Skhvitaridze**
In a surprising move, prosecutors have reclassified the charges against Saba Skhvitaridze, an activist and member of the opposition Ahali party. The new charges are less severe than the original ones, which carried a jail penalty of 7 to 11 years.
According to reports, Skhvitaridze was initially accused of attacking a police officer, resulting in health damage. However, prosecutors have now reduced the charge to “intentional minor bodily harm,” punishable by a fine, correctional labor, house arrest, or one to three years in prison.
Sabhvitaridze continues to maintain his innocence, claiming he acted in self-defense. Despite the reduced charges, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia denied the defense’s request to release him from pre-trial custody.
**The Incident**
The charges against Skhvitaridze stem from a December 4, 2024 incident near Tbilisi’s Liberty Square. A group emerged from the Courtyard Marriott Hotel after an opposition meeting and was approached by men in black plain clothes wearing medical masks. The confrontation broke out when opposition member Teona Chalidze pulled down the hood of one of the men, reportedly believing he was a thug.
The man responded by slapping Chalidze in the face, which, according to the defense, prompted Skhvitaridze to intervene as part of self-defense. The prosecution later identified the man as police officer Mirian Kavtaradze and as the alleged victim.
**Background**
Dozens of those arrested in the context of protests since November 2024 are currently tried on criminal charges. Seven have already been sentenced to years in jail, while no police officers have been held accountable despite numerous documented abuses during dispersals.
Amnesty International has addressed a letter to Georgia’s Prosecutor General, urging authorities to ensure a prompt and impartial investigation into the allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of Skhvitaridze and to bring all those responsible to justice in fair trials.
**The Verdict**
While the reduced charges are seen as a positive development for Skhvitaridze, the denial of his release from pre-trial custody is a setback. The proceedings continue as the court tries to sentence dozens of those arrested amid protests on serious charges.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served in this case and others like it. The people of Georgia demand accountability and an end to repression, and it’s up to the authorities to deliver.
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