Shalva Papuashvili’s statement regarding persons detained at protests

The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, stated on social media that in connection with the violent protests of 2024-2025, in addition to the organizers, criminal prosecution was initiated against approximately 100 people. According to him, 45 people are currently free, which is the result of plea agreements and presidential pardons, while 72 people remain in custody. Imedi+3

In Papuashvili's assessment, the detainees were "blind weapons" in the hands of those people who sent them to the barricades, while they themselves fled from responsibility after the revolution failed. The Chairman of Parliament believes that the opposition needs the prisoners as "sacrifices" in order to maintain the illusion of struggle outside. Imedi+4

According to Papuashvili's statement, the state's requirement is for the person to realize the committed action, take responsibility, and acknowledge the violation of the law. According to him, this does not mean the rejection of political views, but rather represents a standard of the rule of law. At the same time, Papuashvili criticized those individuals who, according to him, call on the detainees from Brussels or Tbilisi cafes to "sit it out to the end." Imedi+3