Giorgi Giorgadze, a 20-year-old information technology student at Georgian Technical University and an employee at his father's gas distribution company, was detained along with eight others for participating in pro-European protest rallies.

The prosecutor's office, led by Vazha Todua and Shmagi Gobejishvili, charged Giorgadze and the others with organizing and participating in group violence, as well as preparing an explosive device. These charges carry a potential sentence of up to nine years in prison. The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation into the protests, citing various articles of the criminal code, including attempt of crime, damage or destruction of property, and assaulting law enforcement officers.

During the court proceedings, Giorgadze pleaded not guilty, stating that his presence at the rallies was motivated by patriotic feelings. He cited his attendance at the European Championship in Germany as evidence of his dedication. Prosecutors, however, argued that Giorgadze's trip to Germany indicated a risk to flee.

The court's decision to detain Giorgadze and the other defendants drew criticism. Defense attorneys argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not meet the required standards. They particularly contested the admissibility of videos uploaded to fake social media accounts and search protocols, as lawyers were not allowed to attend the searches of defendants' homes.

Despite these challenges, Judge Davit Mgeliashvili deemed the prosecution's evidence admissible and denied a motion to recuse himself from the case. The case has now moved to the substantive review stage, with the next hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025.

Giorgadze, along with four others, is charged with participating in group violence, which carries a sentence of four to six years in prison. Three other defendants are charged with organizing group violence, which carries a sentence of six to nine years in prison. The defense argued that the videos were not authentic and that evidence had been planted in the defendants' homes. However, the court dismissed these claims. Giorgadze and his co-defendants maintain their innocence, stating that they do not know each other.

The next court hearing is scheduled for March 24.