On July 10, 1996, Nugzar Molodinashvili, a supporter of Zviad Gamsakhurdia and member of the first Supreme Council, began a hunger strike in Tbilisi’s No. 1 pre-trial detention facility. His protest followed the replacement of his lawyer without his consent and the appointment of a new defender by the court. Molodinashvili was on trial under charges of treason together with other Gamsakhurdia allies, including Loti Kobalia (head of the National Guard), Jambul Bokuchava (head of the Guard’s operations service), Zviad Dzidziguri (prefect of Samtredia), and Soso Zhghenti (head of the Guria regiment).

Molodinashvili argued that his rights were systematically violated. He demanded meetings with journalists and representatives of international human rights organizations. The Georgian Helsinki Union, along with other opposition parties and organizations, supported his demands. Protests were also held in Merab Kostava’s yard, with banners in Georgian and English reading: “The mastermind of the murder – Shevardnadze; perpetrators – Bluashvili and Ugrekhelidze,” “Judges Mirza Dolidze, Jemal Leonidze, and Aleksandre Aladashvili – Shevardnadze’s hired killers,” “We demand satisfaction of the hunger-striking political prisoner Nugzar Molodinashvili’s request,” and “Vardiko Nadibaidze must immediately baptize Rodionov” (a sarcastic reference to betrayal and rapprochement with Russia).

Authorities initially refused his demands, with Deputy Prosecutor General Revaz Kipiani stating that the defendant possessed information critical to the state, and its disclosure could harm Georgia.

On the 28th day of the hunger strike, OSCE representatives were allowed to visit Molodinashvili. However, since his demand to meet with journalists remained unmet, he continued the protest. On August 9, his supporters held a picket outside the Supreme Court, where police tore down their banners and dispersed them.

Eventually, Molodinashvili’s second demand was met: he was allowed to meet with Ratisvhili, a journalist from the newspaper Akhali Taoba (“New Generation”). On the 35th day of his protest, Molodinashvili ended his hunger strike.