“This was the most painless symbolic act, the most generalized one, that every abusive police officer, every representative of the court involved in this injustice and betrayal of the country should take personally. Starting with Bidzina Ivanishvili, this was a slap in the face for everyone,” – Zviad Ratiani explained at today’s court hearing, referring to his action on the night of June 23rd on Rustaveli Avenue when he slapped a police officer.
Zviad Ratiani also pointed to one of the bailiffs in the courtroom who had used force against Nino Datashvili: “When I spoke of symbols, it is he who should have received that slap… One of the abusers, Beka [Sadradze], became one of my main inspirations, and the reason was the case of Ms. Mzia Amaghlobeli and Ms. Nino Datashvili and the violence perpetrated against them… This slap will turn into a much bigger slap.”
He also noted that he would speak in detail about the symbolic importance of this case at the final court hearing.
The Tbilisi City Court did not grant the lawyers’ motion to change Zviad Ratiani’s preventive measure and impose bail. Judge Lela Kalichenko ordered him to remain in custody.
