Prepared by Messenger Staff
Zourabichvili Fined for Joining Mothers of Detained Protesters on Rally
Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, revealed that she has been fined GEL 5,000 for her participation in a March 3 demonstration held on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. The protest, organized by mothers of detained activists, took place on Georgia's Mother's Day and called for the release of those arrested during recent political unrest.
In a Facebook post published on June 12, Zourabichvili shared an image of the fine and wrote, "I have been baptized as an activist today. But I stood where all mothers should have been - alongside the mothers of prisoners of conscience."
Zourabichvili was fined under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which penalizes "blocking the road." The same charge has been used against hundreds of demonstrators and journalists during months of protests in Georgia. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized the provision, arguing that it serves as a tool to intimidate citizens and stifle dissent.
The ongoing demonstrations, which intensified following a series of arrests, have seen a heavy police presence and frequent reports of fines, detentions, and surveillance. Many protesters have begun wearing face coverings to avoid identification by authorities.
Mamuka Mdinaradze Sues Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani Over Facebook Post
During a court hearing on June 12, journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani revealed that it was Mamuka Mdinaradze, rather than Georgian Dream MPs Thea Tsulukiani or Mariam Lashkhi, who filed a lawsuit against her for a Facebook status she posted.
Zhorzholiani explained that Mdinaradze claimed the post - featuring a goose emoji - was offensive. She added that while Tsulukiani and Lashkhi were not plaintiffs, the defense requested they be questioned, suggesting they might not feel insulted or could be under Mdinaradze's influence. However, no judge has yet agreed to summon them.
The journalist also noted that evidence was presented in court, including offensive remarks made by former MPs of the Georgian Dream party, such as Mikheil Kavelashvili and Dimitri Samkharadze, during their time in parliament. This was intended to highlight the plaintiffs' understanding of freedom of speech.
Additionally, Zhorzholiani referenced a 2019 interview with Tsulukiani, then Minister of Justice, where she stated that insults and foul language should not be punishable offenses, or "we would all have to go to prison."
The court hearing is scheduled to continue on June 13.
