Some of the defendants in the case of the storming of the presidential palace in Tbilisi have been released.

Eight defendants in the October 4 storming of the Georgian Presidential Administration building have been released after reaching a plea bargain. They were sentenced to three years' probation in exchange for pleading guilty.

As reported by Kavkazsky Knot, in early May, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced the organizers and participants of the October 4, 2026, municipal election day protest to lengthy prison terms. The defense called the verdict politically motivated.

These individuals are Eva Shanshiashvili, Aleksandre Gogoladze, Gocha Katashvili, Sulkhan Abralava, Ramaz Jorbenadze, Jandri Tirkia, Genadi Kelikhashvili, and David Gurtskaya, Pirveli TV reported today.

All eight individuals received suspended sentences of three years. They were released from the courtroom, with the exception of the defendant Shanshiashvili, who had previously been ordered to post bail as a preventive measure.

The plea agreement reached by the parties was approved by Judge Jwebe Nachkebia. The prosecutor's office agreed to the plea agreement with the individuals after they admitted their guilt and presented compelling evidence.

Fifteen people are charged in this case. Seven of them did not plead guilty and refused to enter into a plea agreement with the investigation. Judge Georgiy Gelashvili will continue to hear their cases, the television company clarified.

After being released from the courtroom, one of the convicted men, Alexander Gogoladze, thanked those remaining in custody.

"Freedom is the highest value; it's worth everything. I want to tell the guys who are there: I love you very much. Know that I'm there too. I've been transferred from one prison to another, but I'll endure. I'm on your side, guys, thank you very much for making this decision. I'm just a little old and couldn't handle it, so I left. There was a lot in the case, but what was true and what was false—that's the question. My health has deteriorated a little, and this was my decision," Gogoladze said.

Gocha Katashvili, released from prison on a plea bargain, wished courage and fortitude to those who remain in custody.

"Freedom for the country, freedom for the people. Peace, courage, and fortitude to those who remain in custody. We don't consider ourselves a group; do I know anyone? I still don't know their first and last names," he said.

"I would like to wish freedom to all remaining prisoners of conscience," said David Gurtskaya, another prisoner released from the courtroom. He also thanked his supporters. According to Gurtskaya, there are many deserving people in prison who have become victims of drug policy.

The prosecutor in this case, Roin Khintibidze, warned that if anyone else wants to confess to the crime, they still have the opportunity to do so before the verdict is announced. According to him, this confession must be voluntary and sincere.

"Eight defendants confessed to the crime, expressed remorse, and submitted a statement to us, and, as we promised them, a plea agreement was signed. All eight were sentenced to three years in prison. As for the remaining defendants, if anyone else wishes to confess to the crime, sincerely repent, and submit a statement to us, they still have the opportunity to do so before the verdict is announced. As soon as we have such an opportunity, we will discuss the possibility of concluding a plea agreement with them. According to the procedural code, this is possible before the Supreme Court renders a verdict," Khintibidze stated.

On October 4, 2025, municipal elections were held in all municipalities of Georgia. Candidates from the ruling Georgian Dream party were elected mayors in all 64 cities where elections were held, receiving 100% of the vote in 26 of them.

The Caucasian Knot is posting materials about the recent municipal elections and protests by opposition supporters on the thematic page "Georgia: Elections Amid Protests".