Human rights activists have called the persecution of Mearakishvili politically motivated.

The Supreme Court of South Ossetia ignored defense arguments that the arrest of activist Tamara Mearakishvili was politically motivated and upheld her arrest. Mearakishvili is being persecuted for her civic stance, and this case damages the reputation of the South Ossetian authorities, human rights activists believe.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on December 24, the Tskhinvali City Court chose a preventive measure for activist Tamara Mearakishvili – she was sent to pretrial detention for two months. Georgian activists called the case fabricated and called on the country's authorities to intervene in her defense. Tamara Mearakishvili, who was arrested in Tskhinvali, continues her hunger strike; her lawyer has appealed the decision to arrest her. Telegram users have deemed the espionage case against the activist fabricated. The arrest of ethnic Georgian Tamara Mearakishvili is linked to attempts to "destabilize the situation in the republic," South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev stated, emphasizing that the authorities have taken no action against her for a long time.

At a hearing on December 27, the Supreme Court of South Ossetia upheld the Tskhinvali City Court's decision to impose a two-month preventive measure against Tamara Mearakishvili.

In his cassation appeal, lawyer Alan Bazzaev noted that Mearakishvili's arrest was politically motivated.
"The suspicion of committing a particularly serious crime is based on the desire to prevent the public expression of an active civic position by the suspect, T.A. Mearakishvili—her desire to express her position and disagreement with the corruption taking place in the Leningor District of the Republic of South Ossetia through a solitary picket, rather than the actual commission of a crime." The criminal case was opened on trumped-up grounds, not based on a real crime, and to express one's civic position,
The Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia encourages its citizens to improve the work of state structures and organizations in the Republic of South Ossetia," the cassation appeal states.

Despite appeals from both her lawyer and the prosecution, Tamara Mearakishvili continues her hunger strike. Her condition, according to her lawyer, is worrying, and her deterioration is increasingly visible through her appearance. Bazzaev reported that Mearakishvili is also refusing water, drinking only minimal amounts to wash down her painkillers. All necessary monitoring and assistance are currently being provided by pretrial detention facility medical staff.

Alla Dzhioeva, elected president of the republic in 2011, agrees with her. In a conversation with the "Caucasian Knot," she expressed outrage at Mearakishvili's arrest: "Espionage charges are so primitive and pathetic. And the only thing we've gained from this is that a huge army of our 'well-wishers' has become alarmed and is sending our president extremely unflattering 'compliments,' so to speak. That's all," she said.

"Naturally, I can't help but sympathize with her today. Her guilt has not been proven, although under today's judicial system, they can fabricate anything they want. I've been through all of this, so I'm familiar with the arbitrary judicial system," she continued.

Alla Dzhioeva questioned the espionage charges themselves, as Mearakishvili could not have had access to any classified information. "In general, I'm ashamed of us. I wouldn't like to admit this in front of the entire public, but I really am ashamed. As for me, as a citizen of South Ossetia, in all other cases I will demand specifics, because 'espionage' is a very serious accusation," she emphasized.

Human rights activist Lira Kozaeva commented on Mearakishvili's arrest on Facebook*. "A solitary picket is the most harmless thing... By and large, officials interested in the well-being of South Ossetia in general, and the Leningor district in particular, should be grateful to her for her civic activism, and if they had gradually eliminated these shortcomings, there would be absolute order there today...," Kozaeva writes.

In her opinion, there was no slander or deception on Mearakishvili's part, "otherwise she would have been glad to "They jailed her for slander." In her opinion, the case against Mearakishvili was a blow to South Ossetia.

At a press conference on January 25, while commenting on Mearakishvili, South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev repeatedly suggested that she leave and "hold pickets in central Tbilisi."

Gagloev said that during her arrest, Tamara Mearakishvili called former South Ossetian parliament member David Sanakoev and United Ossetia party leader Atsamaz Bibilov. These are Gagloev's two main political opponents today. Furthermore, according to Gagloev, official documents were found on Mearakishvili's phone, but he did not specify the classification of these documents. "I'm confident that our committee members will do their job, and society will learn about its 'heroes.' Including not only Tamara, but also some 'dzhigits.' There's still a lot to tell. I hope everyone will listen to me when you show this. And we'll show them the papers they sent her and why they sent them. And maybe, maybe not, but I'm sure they'll leave here before the case materials are shown," Gagloev said.

Alan Gagloev did not mention a certain photograph that Mearakishvili published on her social media page, which shows a secret facility.

As one piece of evidence against Tamara Mearakishvili for espionage, Alan Gagloev presented a "certificate for 1,000 euros" from the Dutch embassy in Georgia. It was seized during a search of her apartment in Leningor.

Mearakishvili was noted In a post on the official website of the Dutch Embassy on December 13, 2018, during the awards ceremony. Tamara Mearakishvili's daughter, Anna, accepted the award on her behalf.

The Human Rights Tulip is an annual award from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is presented to human rights defenders or organizations that promote and support human rights in innovative ways, according to the Dutch government website.

Alan Kulumbegov, who was detained along with Tamara Mearakishvili, confirmed to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he was released from the temporary detention facility 48 hours later without charges.