Zugdidi Protester on Trial in ‘Repeated Offence’ Criminal Case Released Through Plea Deal
Shalva Esartia, an anti-government protester from the western Georgian town of Zugdidi who was standing trial over alleged “repeated” commission of an administrative offence, a criminal charge introduced as part of tightened anti-protest laws in October, was released after reaching a plea agreement.
Esartia, who took part in non-stop protests in Zugdidi that erupted in 2024, left custody on June 18, Publika reported, citing his defense lawyer as noting that the protester was given a 3-month prison sentence, which he had already served, and a one-year suspended sentence.
Videos show him walking free from prison.
The protester was detained on March 17 after police stopped him in a car, accusing him of failing to yield to a pedestrian. He was initially charged administratively with “disobeying a lawful police order,” but the charge was reclassified as a criminal offense the following day, as he was reportedly subjected to administrative penalties on similar charges twice before.
Repeating the “police disobedience” act a third time turns it into a criminal offense under legislative amendments passed by the disputed Parliament in October 2025 to crack down on protests. Those charged face up to a year in prison if convicted.
His supporters dismissed the case as “absurd” and a classic example of “repression.”
Esartia’s arrest marked the second case where criminal charges were brought against a protester for “repeated commission” of an administrative offence. The first case concerned Zurab Menteshashvili, 61, who was sentenced to nine months in prison in May after being found guilty of “repeated road blockage” in Tbilisi.
Also Read:
- 13/06/2026 – CoE Ministers Committee Calls on Georgia to Revise Freedom of Assembly Laws
- 18/04/2026 – Protesters, Journalists Report Frozen Accounts Over Unnotified ‘Road Blockage’ Fines
- 14/11/2025 – OSCE/ODIHR Calls for Repeal of Georgia’s New Protest Laws
- 14/10/2025 – CSOs: Georgian Dream Toughening Laws to ‘Ban Peaceful Protest’