Family members of the late Giga Avaliani, joined by human rights activists and supporters, held a protest outside the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia, calling for an effective investigation into Avaliani’s death and the resignation of Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze.
Speaking at the rally, the family’s lawyer, Zaza Khatiashvili, stated that the victim’s relatives have not been granted access to the materials of the criminal case, raising concerns about transparency and the effectiveness of the investigation.
Khatiashvili noted that the family has set a deadline for the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. He warned that if Prosecutor General Gvarakidze does not resign, Avaliani’s mother, Eka Kupatadze, plans to begin a hunger strike on January 17.
“We demand a comprehensive investigation and the identification and punishment of all those responsible,” Khatiashvili said. “We have given the Prosecutor’s Office a clear deadline. Today, together with the victim’s mother, we are demanding the resignation of Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze.”
The protest follows a statement issued by the Prosecutor’s Office on January 7, in which the agency reiterated its readiness to meet with Avaliani’s family at any time and to provide explanations regarding the ongoing investigation.
Based on official information, four minors have been arrested in connection with Avaliani’s death. One suspect has been charged under Article 117, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns intentional grave harm to health resulting in death. The remaining three have been charged under Article 376, Part 1, for failure to report a particularly serious crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and remains ongoing. The case has drawn significant public attention, with civil society representatives calling for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of the investigation.
The family and their supporters say they will continue protests until their demands are met and full responsibility for Avaliani’s death is established.
Image: Formula News
Related story: Prosecutor’s Office reiterates willingness to meet Giga Avaliani’s family amid ongoing investigation
