Two minors died on February 15 in Batumi after falling into a water ditch on the territory of the “Dream Town” social project, which was not fenced off despite planned construction works. The two children, aged four and five, could not be saved.
The Interior Ministry has opened an investigation under Article 116 of the country’s criminal code, which covers death by negligence and carries a penalty of six months to two years’ house arrest or two to four years’ imprisonment, and three to five years’ imprisonment if committed against two or more people.
The residents say safety standards have been ignored because the area demolished for the new construction was not fenced off. They blame the ruling government, which is building residential blocks there.
In turn, local government officials claim that construction of residential buildings was not taking place in the area. As for the incident, they stated that an investigation is underway.
