“Based on the chemical examination report, drugs were found in the samples taken from the body of TV Pirveli cameraman Alexandre Lashkarava,” Mamuka Chelidze, Director of the Central Criminal Police Department, said at the briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“In connection with the case of TV Pirveli cameraman Alexandre Lashkarava, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out more than 200 procedural and investigative actions. 110 people were interviewed and 65 video surveillance cameras were viewed.
“A forensic examination was appointed to determine the immediate cause of death, involving an independent expert hired by the family. Based on the chemical examination report, the samples taken from the body contained drugs, “morphine”, “codeine”, “tetrahydrocannabinol”, “pentin” and “monoacetylmorphine.” Based on the examination, the cause of death might have been a drug overdose. However, this conclusion is not final,” Chelidze said.
In parallel, a rally organized by the media and civil society is being held in Tbilisi. Protesters met the statement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the interim conclusion of the chemical examination of Lekso Lashkarava’s body with shouts “Murderers,” and “Shame.”
Rally participants have just moved from Rustaveli Avenue to Georgian Dream office, chanting “Slaves”, “Murderers” and “Go.”
Arriving on the spot, the director of the Mtavari TV Nika Gvaramia said that they are asking for justice.
He said those who abused media employees should be arrested.
Law enforcers are mobilized on the spot.
By Ana Dumbadze
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