Zviad Tsetskhladze
SentencedInitially Article 225 – Organizing, leading, or participating in group violence. Reclassified under Article 226 at sentencing.
Case Details
Zviad Tsetskhladze, a 19-year-old student, was arrested on 4 December while walking his friend home after leaving university. He is accused of organizing violence.
The prosecution relies on a video released by Dafioni itself, in which Zviad explains how shields and barricades can be made to protect citizens during dispersals.
Police also claim that five Molotov cocktails were found in his house. However, no lawyer was present during the search, and Zviad did not witness the "discovery" of the bottles. He insists that the police planted the evidence.
Zviad Tsetskhladze is the founder of the youth movement Dafioni and was actively involved in protests, including demonstrations held during lectures of his professor, Irakli Kobakhidze. Because of this, many link his arrest to political retaliation.
Defense Arguments
No lawyer present during house search. Defendant did not witness the discovery of alleged Molotov cocktails. Evidence likely planted by police.
Procedural Issues
Search conducted without defense lawyer present. Defendant not present for discovery of key evidence.
Personal Background
19-year-old student. Founder of the youth movement Dafioni. Actively involved in protests including demonstrations during lectures of his professor, Irakli Kobakhidze. Many link his arrest to political retaliation.