Opposition politician Gigi Ugulava: ‘gov’t continues political prosecution’

Former leader of European Georgia opposition party and former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava has stated that the government is ‘continuing political persecution’ against him, noting that a trial has been scheduled for May 13 for a case he was charged in back in 2019.

The incident in winter of 2019 involved Georgian athletes Saba Gavashelishvili and David Parkadze and Ugulava and another opposition politician Goka Gabashvili. 

Ugulava says that the incident happened in the most protected place at the airport, beyond the passport control area. That’s why he thinks ‘everything was staged’.

Recounting the incident, Ugulava says he was sitting at the table when an unknown individual approached him and began arguing.

Meanwhile I was telling him to stand down, another unknown individual approached me and the fight began. The physical confrontation lasted for a few minutes, then the police appeared and took them away”, said Ugulava.

Ugulava was charged with physical assault which is punishable by a fine or community service ranging from 120 to 180 hours or by imprisonment from six months to one year, while Gabashvili was identified as the victim. 

One of the athletes was also charged with physical assault, while another was identified as the victim.