**Court Hearing Sheds Light on Protest Violence Case**
A dramatic court hearing took place recently, where actor Andro Chichinadze and nine others were being questioned over their alleged involvement in group violence during protests near the Georgian Parliament. The case has been merged with that of humorist Onise Tskhadadze and eight other individuals.
**Defendants Deny Involvement**
During the hearing, Chichinadze expressed his sympathy for the injured police officer, Giorgi Zabakhidze, who lost vision in one eye after being hit by a stone thrown by protesters. However, he denied any involvement in injuring the officer, stating that they had no contact with him or other witnesses. “We didn’t harm anyone… I think this person has been misled,” Chichinadze said.
**Police Officer Testifies**
The police officer witness testified that he was hit by a stone thrown from the crowd and lost vision in one eye. He denied the possibility of being hit by an object from a special forces officer, stating that they were not deployed at all during the protests. When questioned about whether he saw any specific individual trying to break into Parliament, Zabakhidze replied that it was a mass of people pushing against them.
**Deeper Analysis**
This case highlights the complexities and challenges of investigating violence during public protests. While the defendants claim they had no involvement in injuring the police officer, the court must carefully consider all evidence and testimony before making a decision. As Judge Nino Galustashvili pointed out, “The court is precisely the place to investigate such matters.”
**Repercussions and Sentences**
If convicted under Article 225, Part 2 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which concerns participation in group violence, the defendants could face a sentence of 4 to 6 years in prison. This case serves as a reminder that the consequences of violent behavior during protests can be severe.
**The Verdict Awaits**
As this case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately decide on the fate of these defendants. Will they be found guilty and face the maximum sentence, or will they be cleared of all charges? Only time will tell.
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