Tbilisi City Court has released activist Megi (Irma) Diasamidze on a non-custodial bail of 2,000 GEL after she was accused of vandalizing election banners belonging to Tbilisi mayoral candidate and incumbent, Kakha Kaladze.
The Prosecutor’s Office had requested custodial bail, which would have required Diasamidze to remain in detention until the sum was paid. However, the court opted for a lighter preventive measure, allowing her release from the courtroom.
Prosecutor Nino Zhvania said Diasamidze defaced two campaign banners with black paint, estimating damages at 190 GEL per banner. She argued that Diasamidze posed a risk of continuing criminal activity, influencing witnesses, or going into hiding:
“She deliberately damaged someone else’s property in a demonstrative manner, in front of others, causing significant damage,” Zhvania stated, adding that Diasamidze has a record of administrative offenses and a tendency toward similar acts.
In contrast, Diasamidze’s lawyer, Shota Tutberidze, called the charges politically motivated, claiming the case is intended to prevent her from joining protests.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that three individuals, including Diasamidze, were detained in connection with events on Melikishvili Avenue on September 8–9. Authorities said Diasamidze specifically targeted Kaladze’s campaign banners during those incidents.
Image: IPN
Related story: Two detainees released, bail requested for third in Melikishvili Avenue incident
