**Georgian Poet Zviad Ratiani Sent to Pre-Trial Detention**
A Georgian poet and writer, Zviad Ratiani, has been sent to pre-trial detention as a preventive measure in connection with an alleged assault on a police officer. This decision was made by Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, who upheld the prosecutor’s motion.
According to reports, poet Ratiani was arrested on June 23 on charges of assaulting a police officer while performing his official duties. The alleged incident took place during a protest or demonstration, although further details are not available. Ratiani is facing charges under Article 353¹ of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to assault on a police officer in connection with their official duties.
The article in question carries a penalty of 4 to 7 years of imprisonment. Pre-trial detention is often used as a way to keep suspects behind bars while investigations are ongoing, and it’s not uncommon for such measures to be taken in high-profile cases like this one.
Ratiani’s situation has sparked concerns among human rights activists and writers who see his detention as an example of the Georgian government’s increasing restrictions on free speech. Ratiani is a well-known poet and writer, and many people believe that his arrest is connected to his outspoken views and activism.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this case is handled and what impact it may have on the country’s already complex relationship between law enforcement and civil society.
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