The fact that Im free, considering this government, is a paradox

Nika Gvaramia delivered his final speech in the Rustavi 2 case at the Tbilisi City Court. The verdict may be announced in a week. The trial was postponed to May 11.

According to Nika Gvaramia, he does not believe in independence of the judge, since in his opinion there is no independent judiciary in this country.

He also said that "it is an even greater paradox" to be "free, considering the Georgian Dream government."

"When the U.S. State Department mentions the ongoing political persecution against me, this case is mentioned 11 times in its report, it's a disgrace, the destruction of the country and the judicial system and the prosecution in general. You haven't ruled on this case yet, let's see if these references apply to you. To tell you now that I hope so, I certainly do not, for lawlessness is an irrational thing and impossible to predict. Rationally, if I were to set my expectations within the law, there is no alternative to acquittal, in general this case would not even exist. [...]

Frankly, it doesn't matter to me what you do, I do not plead guilty tin any scenario, but again I say, no matter what the decision is, if you ask me, in this situation, under this government, the fact that I am, is a greater paradox than if i were imprisoned. In fact, I think there will soon come a time when being free will become a paradox for everybody in this country who thinks differently," Nika Gvaramia said.

At the end of his closing speech, Nika Gvaramia told the judge to make a decision dictated by his conscience and qualifications.