Davit Kutaladze, who is accused of assaulting TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava and journalist Miranda Baghaturia during the July 5 violent developments, has been sentenced to imprisonment as a measure of restraint.
The decision was made by the judge of Tbilisi City Court Teimuraz Sikharulidze.
The detainee pleads innocent. He told the judge that “he is not an abuser and did not commit any crime.”
At today’s trial, the Prosecutor’s Office demanded the use of imprisonment as a measure of restraint against Kutaladze, while the defense claimed that no measures of restraint should be used against him.
“His presence outside the penitentiary facility would substantially impede the interests of the investigation,” said the Prosecutor’s Office.
For its part, the defense noted that the evidence presented did not provide a reasonable presumption that Kutaladze had committed the crime.
“My client is absolutely obedient to the law,” the lawyer said.
Davit Kutaladze was detained by law enforcers on Sunday. He was charged under Article 154 §2 (unlawful interference with a journalist’s professional activities, committed by the threat of violence), Article 156 §2 (a) (persecution related to professional activity, committed using violence), and Article 225 §2 (participation in group violence) of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
5 people have been detained in connection with the violence against TV Pirveli employees Lekso Lashkarava and Miranda Baghaturia so far.
As part of the ongoing investigation into the protest rally against Tbilisi Pride, 21 people have been charged so far. At this stage, 36 people are recognized as victims in the case, including 30 journalists and cameramen.
By Ana Dumbadze
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