Activist and Journalist Nika Katsia Acquitted of Drug Charges, Released from Courtroom
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Nika Katsia, who was detained during protests on drug-related charges, was acquitted by the court and released from the courtroom. The decision was announced by Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili on September 3rd.
Katsia had been accused of possessing a particularly large amount of narcotics. He denied the charges, claiming that police had planted the drugs.
"I was not born to be a hero, but I was born to be happy," Nika Katsia said in his closing statement.
"On September 7, it will be nine months of my detention, and indirectly, we still do not know the evidence for why I was in prison. If anyone should worry about the verdict, it is not me. I was held for nine months away from love, kindness, being with my mother, and being with my brother. You restricted my mother's right to care for me. You restricted Andro Chichinadze's mother, the wonderful Lika Guntsadze, from this right. All of this gives me an impression that the 'dream machine' is a soap bubble ready to burst." Katsia said.
Katsia, who was detained during protests on drug-related charges, was found not guilty by the court and released from the courtroom. The decision was announced by Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili.
He had been accused of possessing a particularly large amount of narcotics.
Katsia denied the charges, claiming that police had planted the drugs.
Speaking to journalists after the verdict, Katsia said:
"I cannot say this is a completely fair ruling, because I was held unlawfully. That I was held unlawfully is indicated by the small victory Giorgi Akhobadze had. This is the first time I feel anxious because I worry about the others, especially those who were sentenced - my colleague Mzia Amaghlobeli included.
I have packed everything, I have everything ready, I knew this day would come. I will not stop until we are all freed! The media has shown the best example."
The Prosecutor's Office announced that it will appeal Katsia's acquittal.
