Arrest of 2 Georgian Rappers Results in Large-Scale Protest
The recent detention of the Georgian rap duo ‘Birja Mafia’, who are charged with allegedly purchasing and possessing large amounts of drugs, resulted in a large-scale protest in the streets of Tbilisi as well as on social media.
Giorgi Keburia (aka ‘Kay G’), 21, and Mikheil Mgaloblishvili (aka ‘Young Mic’), 28, were arrested on June 6, several days after the release of their music video clip which shows a policeman on a leash.
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) stated an investigation is underway on the fact of illegal purchase and holding of drugs in especially large quantities, pertaining to Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
The MIA also said that Keburia has admitted to the charges. However, the relatives and friends of the rapper reject such information.
Mgaloblishvili’s trial was held at Tbilisi City Court on Saturday. The rapper denies all charges and claims that his arrest is directly linked to the music clip, in which a policemen is shown on his knees with a bone in his mouth. He alleges that the police planted drugs on him and Keburia.
“When I was arrested, the law enforcers told me that anyone who presents the police in such a manner will be punished," he stated at the trial.
Moreover, according to him, he was forced to undergo a drug test and there were no signs of drugs in his blood. He added that the police pressured him to sign a document pleading guilty.
Tbilisi City Court Judge, Badri Shonia, rejected the request of the defense to a 50.000 GEL bail and sentenced Mgaloblishvili to temporary detention. Giorgi Keburia’s trial will be held separately.
Soon after the trial, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili released a statement concerning the detention of THE Birja Mafia members.
"Human rights protection must not be undermined," he said, going on to admit that legislation is "too strict in terms of narco-politics" and requires liberalization.
“I address the Parliament to accelerate work on the issue, so that we can adopt a law that is humane and in line with European standards at least for the autumn session. I would also like to address the youth – any step and decision made by our government is aimed at the creation of a free and civilized environment for you,” the PM's statement reads, cocluding that the Chief Prosecutor’s Office will study the latest case.
Education Minister and Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Alexander Jejelava, says the video clip of the rappers is “a step against the State.”
“Such disrespect towards law enforcement authorities is a step against the State in my opinion, but they should not be held accountable for that,” Jejelava said.
The Public Defender of Georgia, Ucha Nanuashvili, has urged the Prosecutor’s Office to study the motive of the detention of the musicians.
His statement reads that interfering in the creative process or censorship in the field of creative activity is inadmissible.
“It is necessary to carry out complete and objective investigation into the case,” Nanuashvili stated.
By Thea Morrison
Photo: Protesters support detained 'Birja Mafia' members at Rustaveli Ave.
Source: Erika Copeland Facebook