United National Movement’s Kirkitadze Ordered to Pre-trial Detention
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, December 21
A member of the United National Movement Political Council, former UNM lawmaker and official David Kirkitadze, was ordered to pre-trial detention by Gurjaani regional Court on December 20.
Kirkitadze was arrested on December 17 for assaulting and abusing a police officer and damaging police property in village Velistsikhe of Gurjaani Municipality, when several hundred United Opposition activists attempted to unblock the police cordons cutting their way to the inauguration venue in Telavi, where new President Salome Zurabishvili was taking an oath.
The defense had been demanding the release of Davit Kirkitadze on bail. Lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili submitted a document signed by 27 MPs, according to which, opposition MPs were ready to stand surety for Davit Kirkitadze.
However, the Prosecutor’s Office demanded the pre-trial detention of the opposition activist and the judge Davit Narmanishvili satisfied the motion.
Kirkitadze does not plead guilty, saying there are “North Korea standards in Georgia.”
"I will prove with my conduct how to defeat this regime. My attitude towards police is positive and I have not intended to insult them, "said the detained.
He claims that the police attacked him, and he did not start the fight. The man went on a hunger strike in protest on the day he was arrested.
The opposition speaks about the “political persecution” against Kirkitadze as he was an active figure during the presidential elections.
Former Presidential Candidate of the United Opposition and the member of the UNM - Grigol Vashadze says they will appeal the decision of Gurjaani Court.
“We will fight to release Kirkitadze; we will go to the Court of Appeals… Everyone who want constitution, justice and law in this country, are a threat to Bidzina Ivanishvili," Vashadze said referring to the founder and Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Deputy Interior Minister, Natia Mezvrishvili says the judge had grounds for ordering the imprisonment of Kirkitadze.
“The society and everyone saw the footage where Kirkitadze abused the policeman. However, the Court’s decision is not the final verdict and the case is proceeding,” she explained.
The United Opposition held a protest rally at Gurjaani Court, demanding “fair verdict” and Kirkitadze's release.
