On January 20, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili reviewed the use of pre-trial detention as a preventive measure for 11 defendants detained in connection with the October 4 case. However, the judge ruled to keep all 11 in custody.
The defendants are Abo Naveriani, Vakhtang Pitskhelauri, Guriel Kardava, Beka Kelekhsashvili, Mamuka Labuchidze, Giorgi Muladze, Avtandil Surmanidze, Temur Kurtsikidze, Aleksandre Khabeishvili, Nana Sander, and Anton Uper.
The latter is currently wanted and had previously been remanded in custody in absentia. Another defendant in the same case, Mariam Mekantsishvili, was released on bail shortly after her arrest in October last year on the grounds that she has a young child.
During the hearing, particular attention was drawn to Nana Sander, who has health problems. She told the court about the conditions she faces in prison, citing denial of medical care, delays in receiving essential medication, and what she described as aggressive and inhuman treatment by prison director Nestan Verulashvili. Despite these claims, Judge Mchedlishvili ruled that Nana Sander would remain in custody.
