The final verdicts have been announced in the so-called “peaceful overthrow” case linked to the October 4, 2025 protests, bringing to a close one of the largest criminal proceedings arising from Georgia’s recent anti-government demonstrations.
Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili of the Tbilisi City Court said before delivering the verdicts that the court had relied on witness testimony and video evidence when reaching its decision.
“In my conclusions, particular attention will be given to the video recordings,” the judge stated.
Activist Nana Sander was found guilty of organizing group violence and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Abo Naveriani was sentenced to five years in prison.
Mariam Meyanqishvili received a fine of 5,000 GEL. She was charged under the least severe article among the defendants and was accused of organizing group actions.
Anton Uperi was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. As he is currently outside Georgia, authorities are expected to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Before the verdicts were announced, several defendants addressed the court.
Meyanqishvili said she remained proud and steadfast despite the proceedings.
“I am strong and proud because solidarity keeps us going. Although I am not optimistic that I will avoid prison, I stand before you, Judge Tamar, with pride because I did not commit the crime I am accused of. Our struggle will end in victory,” she said.
Naveriani thanked supporters and expressed confidence that political change would come.
“Thank you to everyone fighting for this country. We will definitely reclaim what has been taken from us,” he said.
Sander also rejected the accusations and described her treatment in detention as inhumane.
“I consider myself innocent. I can look any person in the eye, regardless of which side they are on, without a moment of guilt that someone suffered because of me. I have a strong sensitivity to suffering; I am against pain, which is why I am vegan. Even if an insect were harmed because of me, I would feel guilty. I organized nothing, and if anyone had been hurt because of my actions, it would trouble my conscience. What has troubled me for the past nine months is the inhuman treatment and conditions. My ordeal has not ended for nine months,” she told the court.
Sander, who has both Georgian and German ties, also thanked Germany for providing her with what she described as a place of safety.
The October 4 case stems from events surrounding a large opposition protest held in Tbilisi following the 2025 local elections. Opposition parties and supporters who boycotted the vote gathered at Liberty Square and called for what they described as the “peaceful overthrow” of the government.
The demonstration later escalated when a group of protesters attempted to approach the presidential residence on Atoneli Street, breaching police barriers and clashing with security forces.
A total of 64 people were charged in connection with the events. Based on the final verdicts, Meyanqishvili was the only defendant to receive a financial penalty. All defendants who rejected plea agreements were sentenced to prison terms.
Government officials have maintained that the defendants were involved in organized unlawful actions and violence, while opposition figures, lawyers and rights advocates have argued that the prosecutions were politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent.
Image source: On.ge
Related story: 12 more defendants in ‘peaceful overthrow’ case accept plea deals, to serve one year in prison
