Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has strongly criticized the Tbilisi City Court’s decision to sentence protester Mate Devidze to four years and six months in prison, calling it a “shameful decision” that reflects a broader erosion of justice in the country.

Zourabichvili warned that “everyone will pay this price, including those people who are applauding such a shameful decision today.” She denounced the state of Georgia’s judicial system, stating bluntly: “A country where there are no courts is no longer a state.”

In an emotional statement following the ruling, Zourabichvili praised Devidze’s actions and character, declaring:

“He stood up as a human being today and entered the country’s history.”

She described the day as one of national disgrace:

“Today is a shameful day for Georgia. In that hall was Georgia’s flag, Georgia’s coat of arms. Today is an insult to every person who stands here, or does not stand, every member of society who remains silent.”

Zourabichvili contrasted Devidze’s stance with the conduct of others involved in the decision, calling him “one of our symbols of dignity,” while referring to others as “symbols of slavery.”

“They are slaves, I will say this and I will repeat this. This is not a court.”

She expressed hope that the ruling would be challenged at the international level, particularly at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The remarks add further weight to the growing criticism surrounding the ruling, which many view as emblematic of deeper political and institutional issues within Georgia.