**Tbilisi Activists Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Protest-Related Charges**
A Tbilisi City Court has handed down prison sentences to two activists, Daniel Mumladze and Guram Khutashvili, for damaging surveillance cameras during protests on Rustaveli Avenue in December 2024. The court’s decision marks the latest development in Georgia’s ongoing protest movement against the government.
**Background: Protests and Arrests**
Protests have been taking place in Georgia since November 28, when the government announced its abandonment of the EU path following contested elections. Over 50 activists, including journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, have been detained for their involvement in the protests. Many believe these detainees are being unfairly targeted as “political prisoners.”
**The Case Against Mumladze and Khutashvili**
Mumladze (23) and Khutashvili (26) were separately detained in December under the same charges of damaging surveillance cameras during the protests. Despite both admitting to the offense, they sought a plea bargain that would grant their release on parole. However, prosecutors rejected this deal, leading to the court’s three-year prison sentence.
**Rejection of Plea Bargain**
Judge Lili Mskhiladze cited “frequent violent activities against state interests” as the reason for denying a more lenient ruling. This decision has been met with criticism from human rights advocates and protesters who see it as part of a broader pattern of targeting dissenting voices.
**Appeal Planned**
Defense lawyer Otar Purtseladze announced plans to appeal the court’s decision, stating that the ruling will be challenged in higher courts.
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