Lawyer Lasha Kapanadze has released CCTV footage that he claims offers a new perspective on the circumstances surrounding the altercation between Russian tourists and wedding guests at the Agarni Estate hotel complex in Georgia. The defense maintains that the actions of the female tourists triggered the escalation that ultimately led to physical violence.

Following the incident, police detained one of the wedding guests, Giorgi Chigladze. Investigators have charged him with assaulting a Russian female tourist.

According to the defense, the events began well before any physical contact occurred. The released footage allegedly shows that around 8:15 PM, Russian tourists on the hotel's upper floors shouted the traditional wedding toast "Gorko!" ("Bitter!") at the newlyweds, followed by other remarks that the defense describes as provocative.

When the wedding guests did not react, liquid of unknown origin was allegedly poured down from the third floor. The lawyer claims the liquid splashed onto singer Alexander (Elgudja) Mrelashvili and wedding organizer Mariam Omanadze, as well as onto musical equipment, which sustained damage.

The incident took place on July 18 at the Agarni Estate hotel complex. Giorgi Chigladze has been charged under Article 120 of the Criminal Code of Georgia ("Intentional infliction of minor bodily injury"). Investigators allege that the man went up to the room of one of the Russian tourists and struck her in the face.

The maximum penalty under this article is up to three years in prison. The court has ordered Chigladze to post bail of 5,000 lari pending the investigation. According to the defense, the alleged victim left Georgia after the altercation.