The Tbilisi City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for Rostom Mazmishvili, who is accused of hooliganism and property damage near the residence of the Georgian Patriarchate.
The decision was issued by Tbilisi City Court Judge Eka Barbakadze.
Prosecutors had requested the strictest preventive measure — pre-trial detention — arguing that the nature of the alleged crime posed a particular danger and that there was a risk the defendant could continue criminal activity.
Prosecutor Irakli Kvavadze claimed that Mazmishvili has a prior conviction and was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the alleged offense.
Kvavadze also stated that a psychiatric examination has been ordered for the defendant, citing possible mental health concerns.
The defense, however, challenged the charges. Mazmishvili’s lawyer, Ilia Natsvlishvili, argued that the accusation had been incorrectly formulated and disputed the prosecution’s claim that his client used an object as a weapon during the incident.
Lawyer says a plastic bottle referenced in the case cannot legally be considered a weapon. He requested that the court release Mazmishvili on bail set at 2,000 GEL.
The defendant also briefly addressed the court during the hearing.
Prosecutor’s Office says the incident took place on May 20, 2026, when Mazmishvili allegedly drove a car into the territory of the Patriarchate residence while citing religious intolerance as a motive.
Authorities say he damaged a barrier, the entrance door, and a vehicle parked in the yard before allegedly threatening individuals present at the scene.
Mazmishvili has been charged under Article 187, Part 1 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns damage to another person’s property, and Article 239, Part 3, which concerns hooliganism committed using another object as a weapon. The charges carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
Header image: IPN
Related story: Media: Car crashes into Patriarchate yard, damages barrier and gate
