A court in Georgia has sentenced several opposition politicians and activists to prison in connection with the October 4 events near the Atoneli Palace, after finding them guilty on charges linked to group violence, attempts to block strategic facilities and calls to overthrow the government.
Judge Irakli Khuskivadze delivered the verdict, sentencing Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Lasha Beridze and Paata Manjgaladze to seven years in prison each.
The court also sentenced Tornike Mchedlishvili, Nika Gventsadze, Irakli Chkhvirkia and Guri Zhvania to five years in prison each, while Irakli Shaishmelashvili was sentenced to two years in prison.
Prosecution says several of the defendants were charged under Article 19-222 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns an attempt to seize or block strategic and specially important facilities by a group. Some were additionally charged under Article 225 for organizing and leading group violence, while others faced accusations under Article 317, which relates to public calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order and state government.
The charges carry prison sentences of up to nine years.
The case is connected to the October 4 incident near the Presidential Administration, also known as Atoneli Palace, where protesters and opposition figures gathered amid heightened political tensions in the country.
The proceedings and verdicts are likely to further deepen political divisions in Georgia, where the government and opposition have repeatedly accused each other of undermining democratic processes and stability.
