Opposition leader Ugulava released with fine following protest of Saakashvili’s trial
After the release, Ugulava stated that the court’s decision was not ‘a surprise’ for him, noting that the government and the court work ‘in tandem.’ Photo: Gigi Ugulava/facebook.
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Opposition leader Gigi Ugulava, who was arrested on November 29 near Tbilisi City Court while protesting the former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili’s trial, has been released earlier today and fined 3,000 GEL (about $962/€846).
Ugulava was arrested for ‘disobeying the lawful request of the police’ to vacate an area. He had been under arrest for about two days.
Two police officers participating in the arrest of the politician were questioned at the trial today who stated that Ugulava verbally insulted them via calling police officers ‘dogs,’ however, the opposition leader denies accusations.
Saakashvili’s supporters and opposition leaders gathered outside the court building several days ago protesting the ex-president’s trial in the case of the illegal dispersal of an opposition rally in central Tbilisi on November 7, 2007 in which Saakashvili is charged with abuse of authority. As a result of the protest rally near the court building a total of 15 people were arrested by police officers on the spot including Ugulava.
After the release, Ugulava stated that the court’s decision was not ‘a surprise’ for him, noting that the government and the court work ‘in tandem.’
The government is trying to intimidate civil activists and representatives of political parties with fines and arrests. Absolute stupidity,” says Ugulava.
The opposition United National Movement (UNM) member Besik Tamliani was also arrested during the rally and has been charged for the ‘obstruction of the police officer by pressure, violence or threats’ earlier today.
The next trial hearing in the case concerning Saakashvili is scheduled for tomorrow where the opposition will hold the protest rally again in support of the former president.
Head of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party Nika Melia says protest rallies should be on-going until the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party is overthrown and former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili released.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has expressed the hope that former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s supporters ‘will act responsibly’ during his trial, urging that the protest should be peaceful.
Fifteen opposition activists, including opposition leader Gigi Ugulava, were arrested at a rally near Tbilisi City Court for disobeying police orders earlier today during a trial concerning former president Mikheil Saakashvili. Saakashvili was allowed to attend the hearing in person, which concerns illegal dispersal of an opposition rally back in 2007, for the first time since his arrest in Tbilisi on October 1. Before the hearing took place, Saakashvili said that he distrusts the Georgian court, noting that he ‘would have used the opportunity’ to address the public.
Former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has already been taken to Tbilisi City Court to attend a trial hearing concerning the illegal dispersal of an opposition rally in central Tbilisi on November 7, 2007 in which Saakashvili is charged with the abuse of power, IPN says. Neither journalists, nor opposition activists are allowed into the court’s yard. The law enforcement are present at the scene to ensure safety.
Police have arrested three individuals for violence against police and resisting arrest during an opposition rally near Tbilisi City Court on November 29.