The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has formally indicted Aleksi Akhvlediani, head of the Maritime Transport Agency, on charges of negligent firearm storage in connection with the case of Tornike Rizhvadze, former Chairman of the Adjara Government.

According to an investigation conducted by the Central Criminal Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Tornike Rizhvadze was visiting his friend, Aleksi Akhvlediani, in Sagarejo on the evening of July 6.

Late that night, Rizhvadze took Aleksi Akhvlediani’s firearm— negligently left near the house— and secretly brought it into his bedroom. In a tragic attempt to end his life, he fired the weapon into his chest while alone, sustaining serious injuries.

Law enforcement authorities detained Aleksi Akhvlediani, suspecting his involvement under Article 238 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to negligent firearm storage and carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment.

The Prosecutor’s Office intends to seek court-imposed punitive measures against Aleksi Akhvlediani within the statutory timeframe.

Following his injury, Tornike Rizhvadze was admitted to Sagarejo Geohospital on July 7 and was subsequently transferred to the First University Clinic for specialised care. An investigation into Rizhvadze’s case has been initiated under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, concerning incitement to suicide.