Two men, who were arrested by the police over petty hooliganism charges in connection to scuffles that broke out during protest outside the National Library on February 8, were released after court fined each of them with GEL 100 (about USD 60).

Lawyer of Melor Vachnadze and Mikheil Meskhi said the court decision was “partly objective”; the two men denied any wrongdoing. They faced charges under the article 166 of the code of administrative offenses, which carries either GEL 100 fine or imprisonment for up to 90 days.

Third man, who was also arrested in connection to developments outside the National Library, is facing criminal charges related to the assault on UNM MP Chiora Taktakishvili, who suffered a bloody nose after being punched. Gela Mamaladze has been accused of hooliganism, involving violation of public order committed with use of violence and committed against an official, which carries either fine or prison term from two to five years.