The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has charged Zviad Kuprava, a member of the opposition United National Movement, with calling for the overthrow of the state government and resisting law enforcement officers.
Prosecutor’s Office says the State Security Service determined that on September 30 Kuprava, who also serves as a member of the Tbilisi Municipality Council, posted a video on Facebook in which he publicly urged the violent overthrow of the government and outlined specific actions to be carried out on October 4, Election Day.
Authorities said Kuprava resisted State Security Service officers during his detention on October 1, which was conducted on the basis of a court order.
He has been charged under Article 317 and Article 353, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, covering calls for the overthrow of state power and resisting a government official. If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison.
The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed it will seek pre-trial detention against Kuprava within the timeframe set by law.
Related story: UNM: “All red lines erased” after arrest of Tbilisi councillor Zviad Kuprava ahead of October 4 rally
