Nino Svanidze, detained during the October 18 protest rally, was sentenced to 5 days of administrative detention; Saba Khomeriki to 8 days, Giorgi Kiasashvili to 6 days, while Lasha Nachkebia received a 4-day sentence - Gela Gamkrelidze and Vakhtang Machavariani were released

The Tbilisi City Court recognized Saba Khomeriki, Gela Gamkrelidze, and Nino Svanidze as administrative offenders
According to the judge’s decision, Nino Svanidze was sentenced to 5 days of administrative detention, while Saba Khomeriki received 8 days. As for Gela Gamkrelidze, he was released from the courtroom on the basis of a verbal warning.
The decision was made by Judge Manuchar Tsatsua.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused them of artificially blocking Rustaveli Avenue on the evening of October 18.
“I didn’t know if I was breaking the law; the police car had blocked the road. I approached the tape where there was a mass of people, went onto the road, in the flow of people for 20 minutes.
I had no protest and don’t have one now. I ended up there; the road was blocked for me. The police car had blocked it, then there was tape stretched. Out of curiosity, I stopped there,” Gela Gamkrelidze stated during the hearing.
Additionally, the judge separated Vakhtang Machavariani’s case for separate proceedings, as he announced during the court process that he has health problems, and the judge granted him a certain period to present confirming documents. He was released from the courtroom.
Regarding other individuals’ administrative cases, Judge Zviad Tsekvava recognized the detained Giorgi Kiasashvili as an administrative offender and imposed a 6-day administrative detention sentence on him for covering his face during the rally on Rustaveli Avenue on October 18. Additionally, Lasha Nachkebia was sentenced to 4 days of administrative detention.
As a reminder, yesterday, on October 18, rally participants blocked [the road] for a certain period. Starting this morning, police began detaining participants of the October 18 protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue. Among the detainees is Formula journalist and TV host Vakho Sanaia.
According to official information, in connection with the rally taking place on Rustaveli Avenue on October 18, 14 individuals committing offenses were administratively detained in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses, and administrative proceedings are underway against 13 individuals. According to the MIA, rally participants gathered near the legislative body on Rustaveli Avenue “artificially blocked the roadway for transport and obstructed movement, despite the small number of demonstrators,” thereby violating the requirements of Article 11(1) of the Law of Georgia “On Assemblies and Manifestations,” according to which it is unacceptable to artificially block the roadway for transport unless necessitated by the number of assembly participants. According to the MIA, additionally, “some demonstrators had their faces covered, which also constitutes a violation of the law.”
As is known, a law has entered into force according to which rules and legal responsibilities related to assemblies and manifestations have been further tightened. According to amendments to the legislation, the first instance of an assembly or manifestation participant covering their face with a mask, possessing tear gas or toxic substances, blocking the road, or setting up a temporary structure will result in administrative detention for up to 15 days, while if the offender is a rally organizer – it will result in administrative detention for up to 20 days.