"Georgian demonstrator finds himself serving a jail term of four years for upholding his sense of national pride"

In a controversial ruling, Judge Giorgi Arevadze announced on Friday that Archil Museliantsi, a prominent activist detained during anti-government protests in Tbilisi, has been sentenced to four years in prison.

The charges against Museliantsi include damaging a surveillance camera during a demonstration and arson, a crime punishable by up to six years in prison. However, Museliantsi has not admitted to the crime.

The latest wave of protests in Georgia began on 28 November, resulting in hundreds of people being detained, with criminal cases launched in over 50 instances. Museliantsi and his friend Vakhtang Gagnidze were administratively detained on 30 November in central Tbilisi.

Independent news outlet Indigo reported that Gagnidze was later released, but a criminal case was launched against him. Dimitri Vardiashvili, Museliantsi's lawyer, claims that the fingerprint expert's report included in the case was falsified.

The evidence in the case, according to Indigo, includes a video filmed by pro-government channel POSTV, but the footage cuts off before the fire is ignited.

During the court proceedings, Museliantsi spoke about the physical assault, psychological pressure, threats, and blackmail which he experienced during his detention. He was beaten and held for several days without access to legal counsel, according to Vardiashvili.

In a letter before the verdict, Museliantsi thanked his supporters and urged them to continue the fight for a better future. He drew the Georgian flag at the bottom of his letter, symbolising his unwavering love for his homeland.

Museliantsi, who belongs to the organization "Human Rights House," has been a key figure in the solidarity funds that helped pay protest fines during the current anti-government protests in Tbilisi.

The release of detainees and calls for new parliamentary elections have become one of the demonstrators' central demands. Museliantsi, in a brave display of defiance, stated that he is not worried about imprisonment, because 'on the other side is the country and its future'. He further declared that he is ready to serve an unjust term, because 'my homeland is my dignity'.

Several protesters have already been convicted and sentenced to years in prison. The sentencing of Museliantsi has reignited calls for justice and fair treatment of all detainees in Georgia.

"Georgian demonstrator finds himself serving a jail term of four years for upholding his sense of national pride"