Police Arrest 16 Suspected Members of Neo-Nazi Group, Including 10 Minors
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Tbilisi police have arrested 16 people, including 10 minors, accused of belonging to a radical neo-Nazi group involved in violent abuse, Police Chief Vazha Siradze said at a briefing on January 16.
According to Siradze, the group identified itself as neo-Nazis and adhered to fascist ideology, targeting victims who did not share their views.
"They displayed radical attitudes toward their victims and used extreme cruelty in order to increase their influence and notoriety," Siradze said.
Police say the suspects physically and psychologically abused victims of various ages, recording videos and photos of the violence on their phones and posting the material online. More than ten people are believed to have been victimized, including four minors.
During searches of the suspects' homes, officers seized mobile phones, electronic devices, masks, items bearing Nazi symbols, as well as sonic and bladed weapons.
The investigation is being conducted under Criminal Code articles covering inhuman treatment committed by a group against a minor with premeditation, crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Siradze said the arrests are linked to an ongoing crackdown on ideologically motivated violent groups. He noted that the leaders of similar extremist groups, Levan Abesadze and Davit Jafarov, are already serving prison sentences, along with seven other members arrested several months ago. The latest arrests followed findings that other members continued violent activities.
The case follows a December 30 ruling by the Tbilisi City Court, which sentenced nine individuals described by authorities as members of a fascist group to lengthy prison terms for abusing a minor. According to the court, the gang lured the victim to an abandoned building, forced him to kneel, subjected him to physical and verbal abuse, and made him apologize to the group's leader during a video call. The footage was later shared on social media.
Three adult defendants received ten-year prison sentences. Three minors under 16 were sentenced to six years and eight months, while three defendants under 18 received seven and a half years.
