Detention

Civil Activist Giorgi Romelashvili Subjected to Four Days of Administrative Detention for Blocking a Roadway

Judge Davit Makaradze of the Tbilisi City Court found civil activist Giorgi Romelashvili liable for an administrative offence related to the blocking of a roadway and subjected him to four days of administrative detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA) alleged that on 7 February 2026, during the “Saturday March,” Romelashvili blocked a roadway on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.Blocking a roadway became a punishable offence following the adoption of restrictive legislative amendments by the ruling party, Georgian Dream. This conduct is prohibited under Article 174¹, paragraph 10 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Subsequently, the scope of the same provision was expanded to include standing on the sidewalk, on the basis of which participants in demonstrations are also being held administratively liable. A violation of this provision entails administrative detention for up to 15 days (and up to 20 days for an organizer). Administrative detention does not apply to pregnant women, mothers with children under the age of 12, persons under the age of 18, or persons with pronounced or significant disabilities. Instead, they are subject to a fine of 5,000 GEL, or 15,000 GEL if the person is an organizer. Repeated commission of the same act entails criminal liability.

Civil Activist Ilia Ghlonti Ordered to Serve Four Days of Administrative Detention for Sidewalk Protest

Judge Davit Makaridze of the Tbilisi City Court found civil activist Ilia Ghlonti, one of the founders of the “Daitove” platform, liable for an administrative offence for standing on the sidewalk during a protest and ordered four days of administrative detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia alleged that on 17 December Ghlonti created an obstruction to pedestrian movement on the sidewalk near the Parliament of Georgia.

Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

Civil Activist and Musician Giorgi Bulia Was Subjected to Two Days of Administrative Detention for Protest on the Sidewalk

Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of the Tbilisi City Court found activist and musician Giorgi Bulia liable for an administrative offence for standing on the sidewalk during a protest and was subjected to administrative detention for two days. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) alleged that on 17 December Giorgi Bulia created an obstruction to the movement of pedestrians in the vicinity of the Parliament of Georgia

In the so-called “sidewalk cases,” a total of 17 activists have already been found liable for administrative offences. Of these, nine were sentenced to administrative detention, while eight (predominantly women) received verbal warnings.

Civil Activist Lasha Kakoishvili Sentenced to Four Days of Administrative Detention in Connection with Sidewalk Protest

Judge Tornike Kapanadze of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced civil activist Lasha Kakoishvili to four days of administrative detention in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, during a protest held on 18 December 2025, Kakoishvili created an obstruction for other citizens.

Kakoishvili represents the fifteenth individual found liable in cases related to sidewalk protests. Of the fifteen individuals concerned, eight were subjected to administrative detention, with sanctions ranging from four to five days, while seven others – predominantly women – received verbal warnings.Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

Four Additional Civil Activists Found Liable for Administrative Offences Over Sidewalk Protest

On 2 February 2026, judges of the Tbilisi City Court found four additional civil activists liable for administrative offences in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. Two of the individuals (men) were sentenced to administrative detention, while two (women) received verbal warnings:

Zurab Manchkhashvili – five days of administrative detention (Judge Tornike Kapanadze);
Tornike Jandieri – five days of administrative detention (Judge David Makaradze);
Sopo Chachanidze – verbal warning (Judge David Makaradze);
Tekle Gabelia – verbal warning (Judge David Makaradze).

The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, by standing on the sidewalk, the individuals obstructed the movement of other citizens. To date, the courts have issued decisions in ten cases related to so-called “sidewalk protests.” All ten individuals were found liable for administrative violations. Five activists were released from administrative liability and issued verbal warnings, while the remaining five were subjected to administrative detention ranging from four to five days.On 12 December 2025, the “Georgian Dream” party adopted another repressive legislative amendment restricting the right to freedom of assembly. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

The Court of Appeal dismissed the case of activist Sandro Megrelishvili detained for standing on a sidewalk

The case of activist Sandro Megrelishvili, who was detained for standing on a sidewalk, was examined by the Tbilisi Court of Appeal without an oral hearing, and the appeal was dismissed. According to Megrelishvili’s lawyer, Irakli Abesadze, the decision was taken by Court of Appeal Judge Shorena Kavelashvili.

On 23 January 2026, Judge Davit Makaradze of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Sandro Megrelishvili to four days of administrative detention in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. It was this decision that Megrelishvili’s lawyer appealed before the higher-instance court.On 12 December 2025, the “Georgian Dream” party adopted another repressive legislative amendment restricting the right to freedom of assembly. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

Five individuals placed in detention and two issued verbal warnings for standing on a sidewalk

On 23 January 2026, judges of the Tbilisi City Court found seven citizens liable for administrative offences in connection with standing on a sidewalk. Of these, five individuals (men) were sentenced to administrative detention, while two individuals (women) were issued verbal warnings, as follows:

Sandro Megrelishvili – four days of administrative detention (Judge Davit Makaradze);
Dimitri Jamburia – four days of administrative detention (Judge Davit Makaradze);
Luka Nagliashvili – five days of administrative detention (Judge Davit Makaradze);
Mikheil Zakareishvili – five days of administrative detention (Judge Zviad Tsekvava);
Nukri Kakulia – four days of administrative detention (Judge Manuchar Tsatsua);
Ani Akhmeteli – verbal warning (Judge Zviad Tsekvava);
Natia Chavchanidze – verbal warning (Judge Manuchar Tsatsua).

The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, by standing on the sidewalk, the individuals obstructed the movement of other citizens. This marked the first instance in which courts imposed administrative detention in proceedings related to the so-called “sidewalk cases.”

Another repressive legislative amendment restricting the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly was adopted by the “Georgian Dream” party on 12 December 2025. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was effectively prohibited. Under the amended legal framework, a first violation is punishable by administrative detention for a term of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may give rise to criminal liability.

The first activist to be subjected to court proceedings following the adoption of the stricter legislation was Ani Akhmeteli, who was served with notice on 23 December. The first judicial decision in sidewalk-related cases was delivered on 22 January, when Judge Tornike Kapanadze found civil activist Rezi Dumbadze liable for an administrative offence and issued a verbal warning. In the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand legal scrutiny when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

Criminal Prosecution Initiated Against Administratively Detained Activist Isako Devidze

Criminal prosecution has been initiated against civic activist Isako Devidze, who was administratively detained pursuant to administrative proceedings. The information was made public by his sister, Mari Devidze. She reported that on the evening of 17 January, she contacted the temporary detention isolator for a routine family inquiry and was informed that the activist was no longer being held there. It later became known that Isako Devidze had been transferred to Gldani Penitentiary Establishment No. 8 without prior notification to his family.

According to the family, criminal proceedings against the activist have been initiated under Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which criminalizes contempt of court and provides for a penalty of up to one year of imprisonment.

Isako Devidze was administratively detained on 20 December 2025 during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue on the grounds of the alleged verbal insult of a police officer. On 22 December, Judge Zviad Tsekvava imposed 30 days of administrative detention. The term of administrative detention was set to expire on 19 January. Neither the family nor the defense counsel were informed that the court was considering the application of a preventive (custodial) measure in relation to Isako Devidze.

Translator and Civic Activist Nino Bardzimashvili Detained Three Weeks Later in Road-Blocking Case

On 16 January 2026, translator and civic activist Nino Bardzimashvili was detained in connection with an earlier road-blocking case. As established, at the end of December 2025, the court imposed a sentence of five days of administrative detention on her on the grounds of allegedly blocking a roadway during protests on Rustaveli Avenue in October.

The reasons why the activist was detained three weeks later for the execution of the custodial sanction remain unknown. She was detained near her residence and transferred to the Rustavi temporary detention isolator.

Civic Activist Nutsa Mkharadze Detained During Protest Held Outside the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi

On 14 January 2026, civic activist Nutsa Mkharadze was detained during a solidarity protest in support of the Iranian people held outside the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses Nutsa Mkharadze of disobedience to a lawful order of the police and verbal insult.

According to Radio Tavisupleba prior to Nutsa Mkharadze’s detention, demonstrators expressed their protest by crossing from one side of the road to the other at the traffic light located near the Iranian Embassy when the green signal was illuminated. Subsequently, as the police explained, the “traffic light malfunctioned,” and Mkharadze began crossing the roadway precisely at that moment.

A court hearing in Nutsa Mkharadze’s case was held on 16 January, during the hearing, her health condition deteriorated. Nutsa Mkharadze alleges ill-treatment while held in a temporary detention isolator, stating: “I lost consciousness twice and experienced convulsions. I am experiencing panic attacks due to my emotional condition, although I had not experienced such symptoms previously. I was held in the isolator for two days without being permitted to wash and was unlawfully detained, which likely affected my condition.” The next court hearing is scheduled for 27 January.

Pursuant to the amendments introduced to the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia, disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer (Article 173, Part 1) is punishable by a fine in the amount of GEL 2,000 to GEL 5,000 or administrative detention for a period of up to 60 days. Verbal insult of a law enforcement officer, including the use of abusive language (Article 173, Part 2), is punishable by a fine in the amount of GEL 2,000 to GEL 5,000 or administrative detention for a period of up to 60 days.