The jury in the case of Merab Kobiashvili, accused of murdering 28-year-old Tamaz Gortamashvili in Gudauri, has issued a verdict of acquittal.
According to the decision, Kobiashvili acted in self-defense as he was being beaten by several people.
“Many witnesses were present in the case, as well as many video recordings. I would like to state unequivocally that the testimony of all the prosecution witnesses was unconvincing, unreliable. They misled the investigation several times and then made an attempt to mislead the jurors as well. Merab Kobiashvili is innocent and a lot of evidence shows it,” said Kobiashvili’s lawyer, Tariel Kakabadze.
“This is a very big tragedy that I have to still carry on my shoulders all my life,” Kobiashvili commented following the announcement of the verdict. He thanked the jurors for their decision.
For the record, on February 16, 2020, a young man, Tamaz Gortamashvili, was killed and another person was wounded in Gudauri. Serviceman Merab Kobiashvili was detained by law enforcers. He was charged with murder, attempted murder and violence.
At the same time, the prosecutor’s office also charged six people with gang violence against Merab Kobiashvili.
By Ana Dumbadze
Image Source: GT Media
