Mariana Choloiani, an investigator arrested for coercing testimony from 15-year-old Luka Siradze, has been formally charged.

According to the information released by the General Prosecutor’s Office, Mariana Choloiani was charged with two episodes under Article 335, paragraph  I, of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies “Coercion of a person by deception, blackmail or other unlawful act by an official or by a person equal thereto to provide an explanation or evidence”.

“On December 10, 2019, M. Ch. summoned L.S. along with his mother for questioning as a witness. The investigator did not adhere to the principles of the Juvenile Justice Code and requested L.S. to plead guilty.

After the refusal, the investigator continued to interrogate the minor witnesses by confronting them, causing psychological stress”, – The statement reads.

Prosecutor’s Office plans to appeal to court with a motion to impose preliminary detention to Mariana Choloiani.

15-year-old Luka Siradze, who was injured when attempting to commit suicide, died in a hospital on December 17.  Didube-Chughureti police district investigator Mariana Choloiani was arrested on the same day.