Aleksi Akhvlediani, head of Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency, has been released on 30,000 GEL bail after being detained in connection with the case of former Adjara government chairman Tornike Rizhvadze.
Akhvlediani, who faces charges of illegal firearm storage resulting in serious consequences (Article 238 of the Criminal Code), stated: “It is in my interest to cooperate with the investigation. We’re talking about my friend. I have not committed a crime. The truth will be established.”
He was arrested on July 7. Investigation says Rizhvadze visited Akhvlediani’s home in Sagarejo on the evening of July 6. Between 1:10 AM and 1:30 AM the next morning, Rizhvadze allegedly took Akhvlediani’s Glock firearm and shot himself in the chest while alone.
Rizhvadze was first taken to Sagarejo Geohospital and later transferred to the First University Clinic in Tbilisi. Later, he was transferred to a clinic in Turkey for further treatment.
His case is being investigated under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, which covers incitement to suicide.
