Georgia Pardons Russian Man in Protest Case

Georgia will expel pardoned Russian Kulanin to a third country.

Consensus

The President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, pardoned 226 individuals on the occasion of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Denis Kulanian, a Russian national, was among those pardoned.
Kulanian was convicted in June 2025 for damaging a police vehicle during protests in Tbilisi in March 2025.
Kulanian admitted guilt and was sentenced to two years in prison.
After his release, Kulanian was transferred to a migrant detention center operated by the Department of Migration.
Kulanian faces deportation from Georgia.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that Kulanian may choose a third country for departure within 48 hours.
Kulanian went on hunger strike in February 2026, citing pressure from prison authorities.

Rights Georgia, a human rights organization, claims Kulanian may face criminal prosecution, torture, and inhumane treatment in Russia due to his public anti-war stance and support for Ukraine. — novaya_eu
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia stated that Kulanian will not be deported to Russia and can choose a third country voluntarily. — novaya_eu
Radio Tavisupleba reported that the deportation procedure has already been initiated. — tg_echoonline_news
The Ministry of Internal Affairs cited Article 51 of the Foreigners Law to justify the option of voluntary departure to a third country. — tg_echoonline_news
Radio Svoboda reported that Kulanian is in a migration prison and his lawyer cannot visit him due to an official holiday. — tvrain
Radio Svoboda reported that Kulanian faces deportation and his lawyer warned of danger if returned to Russia. — tg_tvrain