Tbilisi City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for Gela Khasaia, a member of the opposition party Girchi – More Freedom, who is facing charges of intentionally inflicting less severe bodily harm as part of a group.
Judge Nana Shamatava granted the prosecution’s request in full. Prosecutor Mariam Tsulaia argued that the alleged offense, committed collectively, is categorized as a serious crime, raising the risk that the defendants could flee or obstruct the investigation. She also highlighted Khasaia’s previous record of administrative offenses, including prior detentions for resisting police.
The defense had requested bail as a preventive measure, but the motion was denied.
The decision triggered a heated reaction in the courtroom. Supporters shouted, “Gela, stay strong, we are with you,” after which court bailiffs ordered them to leave. The situation quickly escalated into verbal and physical altercations, continuing into the courthouse yard. Several citizens and at least one bailiff were injured, and an ambulance was called to the scene. The premises were later cleared entirely by court security.
During the hearing, Khasaia claimed he was subjected to inhuman treatment during his arrest and while in police custody. According to him, officers twice forced him to strip, mocked him, and issued threats.
The next hearing has been scheduled for November 20 at 13:00.
Prosecutor’s Office says Khasaia and another detainee were formally charged after investigators determined that, on September 1 near King Tamar Avenue in Tbilisi, the two—acting as a group—inflicted bodily harm on the victim. Both men were arrested on September 29 and charged under Article 118, Part 2 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of four to six years in prison.
