In connection with the death of Giorgi Shakarashvili, 17 persons have been detained.

As a result of the operative and investigative activities held within the frames of the ongoing investigation, it was established that detainees committed organized group violence, they are also accused of participation in violence, illegal restriction of freedom and violence against two or more people.

In particular:

On June 18, 2020 conflict took place between the two groups of juveniles, visiting house in Narekvavi settlement, Mtskheta municipality, which resulted in physical confrontation. After the conflict one group returned to Tbilisi and on the grounds of vengeance, organized group violence and returned to Mtskheta.

On Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway, located near to Narekvavi settlement, members of the organized group attacked juveniles on foot and physically assaulted them. Due to the given circumstances, Giorgi Shakarashvili and his accompanying persons fled to the direction of Aragvi River in order to abstain from violence.

Members of organized group, with the and intent of physical retaliation, chased after the individuals who fled towards the river and hid in vicinities of the riverbed. On the grounds of retaliation, offenders continued to pursue Giorgi Shakarashvili and his accompanying persons, due to which, Giorgi Shakarashvili went to the direction of the riverbed, while his friend- G.A. (DoB 2001) was found by the offenders and deprived of his freedom.

After four days of search and rescue operation, the body of Giorgi Shakarashvili was discovered in the riverbed of Aragvi.

Considering that forensic-medical expertise is still in progress and the cause of death of Giorgi Shakarashvili is not yet established, investigation will continue to study all possible versions of the case. When the cause of death is established, the qualification of the case may be changed which can result in stiffer charges against offenders.

We are actively cooperating with the family of the deceased and immediately provide them with information on the progress and results of the ongoing investigation.

Investigation is in progress under the article 225, 143 and 126 envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Under the article 126, I1part, sub-paragraphs “B” and “C” the detainees are- S.Ch. S.G. and I.Ts; under the article 225, I and II parts the detainees are as follows: N.Ts. L.Sh. G.M. and G.T. under the article 225, I and II parts as well as under the article 143, III part, sub-paragraph “A” – V.Ch. has been detained. In accordance with the article 225, II part the detainees are: N.K. T.B. I.M. and N.Zh. under the article 143, III part, sub-paragraph “A” and article 225 I and II parts the following persons have been detained: V.M. A.K. A.G. N.R. and Z.Kh.