Luka Jabua

Apprehended

Tortured

Violence

Prisoner

L. Jabua

Luka
Jabua

On December 6, 2024, a 20-year-old student, Luka Jabua, was arrested in Tbilisi. He is from Zugdidi and studies psychology at the University of Georgia in Tbilisi. Around 20 police officers arrived at his residence in 4-5 vehicles to arrest him. Luka Jabua was charged under Article 225, Part 2 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which refers to participation in group violence.

Along with him, Andro Chichinadze, Onise Tskhadadze, Revaz Kiknadze, and eight other individuals have been charged. According to the prosecution, they attacked law enforcement officers and used violence against them. If convicted, each of them faces a prison sentence of 4 to 6 years.

«I want to tell you that I am not losing my determination not even for a second. I hold my head high and feel stronger than ever. Every day, I become more convinced that all of this is worth it—for freedom and love for our homeland. Our struggle continues until victory!»

According to Jabua's lawyer, Rusudan Agurashvili, while Luka did participate in the protests, there is no concrete evidence in the case file proving that he engaged in violent actions.

The charges state that the participants in the group violence used various objects in the attack, a generalized accusation against all eleven individuals. However, the case materials do not specify what constituted group action, what kind of attack took place, or who was harmed. For instance, there is no indication of who was injured as a result of Luka Jabua’s actions.

The only evidence presented in the case is a single video recording in which Luka Jabua appears. However, according to his lawyer, the footage does not show him engaging in violence. Additionally, after his arrest and a two-hour search of his home, only his phone, glasses, and an EU flag were seized.

During the court hearing, Luka Jabua’s lawyer argued that one of the prosecution’s main claims—that Luka had the possibility of leaving the country—was baseless. The lawyer stated that Luka’s student status was suspended due to unpaid tuition fees, he was working to support his mother and his brother, who has health issues. He does not own a passport and has no close relatives abroad. Agurashvili also pointed out that Jabua is still subject to the juvenile justice system, which should prioritize his best interests—an approach that does not include imposing the strictest pretrial detention measure. Nonetheless, on January 10, Judge Ketevan Jachvadze upheld Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili’s decision to keep Luka in two-month pretrial detention.

«I told my mother in court that her son is being punished for the truth, and I thank her for being proud. Thank you for teaching me to love my homeland—something that is worth everything. We are backed by truth and the voices of our ancestors and heroes. With this immense strength, we will undoubtedly prevail—at any cost!»

The prosecution has begun artificially delaying the process. The substantive hearing was supposed to start in January, but the prosecution requested an extension of the investigation period, delaying the trial by another two months. Their argument was that they "needed more time to gather evidence." However, the defense argues that the prosecution has not effectively used this additional time and that the extension serves only to prolong politically motivated detention.

On March 5, Judge Ketevan Jachvadze was replaced by newly appointed Judge Irakli Shvangiradze, who took his oath in December 2024. Human rights defenders believe that this is part of a "delaying tactic" through judicial reassignment.

«When the Georgian people unite, injustice can never triumph over them. The gray government tries to paint colorful children in gray, but every day, we shatter the color of this injustice with our own vibrant hues.»

Lawyer Guja Avsajanashvili requested the removal of Judge Shvangiradze, as he had previously served as a prosecutor. He also requested the recusal of Prosecutor Vazha Todua, who was sanctioned by the Baltic states. However, the judge rejected both motions.

«I prefer to die standing rather than live on my knees»

From prison, Jabua sent a letter expressing gratitude to his supporters and declaring that his fight for freedom and love for his homeland is justified. This was in response to letters sent by citizens as part of the IliaUni student movement’s campaign in support of political prisoners.

He also emphasized that the pressure and violence against him will not weaken his dedication. His letter strongly reflects youthful idealism and protest against injustice.

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