The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Georgian poet Zviad Ratiani in connection with the assault of a police officer near the Parliament building in Tbilisi on June 23.
Based on the official statement, the investigation—conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs—found that Ratiani physically attacked a patrol police officer while the officer was performing official duties. The accused was arrested on the same day.
Ratiani has been charged under Article 353¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to assaulting a police officer and carries a prison sentence of four to seven years. Prosecutors have already filed a motion requesting pre-trial detention.
The Tbilisi City Court is expected to rule on the preventive measure today. The hearing is scheduled for 17:30.
Zviad Ratiani was arrested during a protest near the Parliament building on the night of June 23.
Related story: MIA says poet Zviad Ratiani was arrested for assaulting a police officer
