The Zugdidi District Court found Badri Esebua, the assailant who took hostages in a bank robbery in Zugdidi in October 2020 and escaped with USD 500 000, guilty and sentenced him to 13 years in prison.

The prosecution had requested the maximum punishment for him, while the defence requested his release on a not guilty plea.

The Prosecutor General’s Office had brought an additional charge against the defendant for purchase and storage of firearms and ammunition, in addition to the earlier charges of coercion, illegal purchase, possession and carrying of firearms and ammunition, organisation of a terrorist act and hostage-taking.