The lawyer representing the family of murdered businessman Levan Jangveladze says the investigation has now confirmed that the killing was a contract murder, organized by an individual who had longstanding conflicts with the victim.
Speaking to InterpressNews, the family’s lawyer Tariel Kakabadze commented on the recent announcement by law enforcement that former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze will be charged in connection with the case.
Kakabadze claimed that the latest developments confirm what the victim’s family had asserted from the very beginning — that the killing was premeditated, ordered, and carried out by a structured group.
“Our suspicions have been fully confirmed. It is now officially established that this was a contract killing, organized by a person who had serious conflicts and confrontations with Levan Jangveladze,” Kakabadze said.
He emphasized that for a long period, the investigation failed to take essential steps, particularly regarding Partskhaladze’s role in the case.
“For months, what we were witnessing was not an investigation but an attempt to conceal the truth,” the lawyer stated. “We repeatedly pointed out that this was an organized crime involving an organizer, executors, and intermediaries. Despite this, the individual we identified as a key figure was not even summoned for questioning.”
Kakabadze stressed that throughout the investigation, the defense continuously raised concerns about the lack of procedural action against Partskhaladze, despite what he described as substantial evidence indicating his involvement.
“There was not even a record of his interrogation in the case file. This raised serious questions. Today, those concerns have been confirmed. The decision announced today proves that what we had been saying all along was true,” he added.
Lawyer noted that the family had been kept informed throughout the process, and all public statements were made in coordination with them.
“I have not yet spoken with the family following today’s announcement, but I want to emphasize that all statements made by me reflect their position as well,” Kakabadze said.
He also noted that, according to his information, Otar Partskhaladze is currently outside the country, allegedly in Russia, which may complicate efforts to detain him.
“Of course, this creates additional challenges, but we will see how developments unfold,” he added.
For context, the Ministry of Internal Affairs earlier announced that former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze will be charged in connection with the murder of Levan Jangveladze. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stated that the investigation had been fully completed and that Partskhaladze is accused of organizing the premeditated contract killing for financial gain. A search warrant has been issued, and procedural steps are underway to initiate his detention.
Image: Tariel Kakabadze. Source: 1TV
Related story: Former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze charged in high-profile contract klilling case
