Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Mate Devidze to four years and six months in prison, following his arrest during a protest in November 2024. The verdict was delivered by Judge Nino Galustashvili.

Devidze was detained on 19 November 2024 during a demonstration on Melikishvili Avenue and charged under Article 353, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to resisting law enforcement or other officials with the intent to obstruct their duties related to public order.

Prior to the announcement of the verdict, Devidze made a dramatic exit from the courtroom. In a statement, he declared:

“Today will probably be the last day. Perhaps you won’t see me for a long time. I came from Telavi to join the protests, to peacefully demonstrate with my friends against the country’s deviation from its European course. On the morning of 19 November, on Chavchavadze Avenue, when uniformed groups began [their operation], I had been awake for two days and couldn’t comprehend what was happening. When they began using excessive force against us, I got caught up in the chaos and tried to escape, but couldn’t manage it. Then you know what happened. We are being sacrificed simply so that your commander’s orders are fulfilled. Forgive me, friends, but I must leave the courtroom. I cannot listen to this decision.”

Devidze’s case has drawn attention amid ongoing public concern over government responses to protests and the country’s political trajectory.