Aleksi Akhvlediani, head of the Maritime Transport Agency, who was detained in connection with the Tornike Rizhvadze [former Chairman of the Adjara Government] case, has been released on a 30,000 GEL bail.

Akhvlediani said: “It is in my interest to cooperate with the investigation. We’re talking about my friend. I have not committed a crime. The truth will be established.”

Akhvlediani faces charges under Article 238 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns the illegal storage of firearms that resulted in serious consequences. This offense carries a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment.

The head of the Maritime Transport Agency was arrested on July 7. According to the investigation, on the evening of July 6, Tornike Rizhvadze was visiting Akhvlediani’s house in Sagarejo.

The prosecutor’s office reported that between approximately 1:10 AM and 1:30 AM on July 7, Rizhvadze secretly took a Glock firearm belonging to Akhvlediani and fired it into his chest while alone, sustaining serious injuries.

Rizhvadze was admitted to Sagarejo Geohospital. He was subsequently transferred to the First University Clinic for specialised care. An investigation into Rizhvadze’s case has been launched under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to incitement to suicide.