Seven defendants admit guilt in October 4 coup attempt case, plea agreements expected

Alexander Khabeishvili, Beka Kelekhashvili, Giorgi Mumladze, Mamuka Labuchidze, Guriel Kardava, Avtandil Surmanidze, and Temur Kurtsikidze on Tuesday admitted guilt in connection with the violent events of October 4, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office said.

Prosecutor Lasha Tskvitaria noted that legal proceedings have progressed to the stage of closing arguments, while several defendants opted to cooperate with the prosecution.

“In the case concerning the attempted entry into the Presidential Palace, both the prosecution and the defence have completed the examination of evidence, and the hearing has been postponed to the closing arguments stage. In addition, within this case involving 12 defendants, five individuals submitted applications to the prosecution requesting plea agreements. According to these applications, all five defendants admit and regret the crime, and they confirmed this position in court as well”, he said.

“Furthermore, just before the start of the hearing, two additional defendants submitted requests for plea agreements. Accordingly, at this stage, out of 12 defendants, seven admit and regret the charges brought against them”, Tskvitaria continued.

The prosecutor further highlighted that the investigation remains active regarding other possible participants.

“The prosecution expressed readiness and consent to conclude plea agreements with them. All seven defendants will receive suspended sentences under plea agreements and will be released from the courtroom in the near future. The plea agreements are concluded for a three-year suspended sentence”, the prosecutor concluded.

On October 4, 2025, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the Government - a potential offence that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.