On Giorgi Shakarashvili’s death
By Anastasia Sokhadze
Friday, June 26
Giorgi Shakarashvili’s family reported that the boy went missing on June 19th, 11PM.
Numerous versions have been made about the death of Shakarashvili, but the investigation has not been completed yet. Initially, an investigation was launched into the illegal detention.
So far, the investigation knows that Giorgi Shakarashvili was at a rented house in the village of Narekvavi, Mtskheta Municipality, on June 18-19th, where a physical and verbal confrontation between the young people took place; the reason is yet unknown to the public. According to their version, Shakarashvili's part in the confrontation is not clear.
Relatives of the football player say that after the confrontation, Shakarashvili left the house with several people and went to the highway to get a taxi and return to Tbilisi.
Versions about the events unfolding near the bridge are divided. One of the versions belongs to Shakarishvili’s uncle, who says that on June 22nd the second episode of the confrontation took place on the highway after the birthday party. According to him, after the confrontation, Shakarashvili left the house with three people to get a taxi, adding that several people caught up with them on the road after which Shakarashvili's traces disappeared.
The investigation into the case is still ongoing. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a general statement on June 23rd, stating that it’s working in all directions, a number of investigative versions are being considered, and an investigation team has been set up with investigators of various specialties.
The agency says only that ‘the conflict continued on the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway, near the bridge over the river Aragvi, after which the traces of Giorgi Shakarashvili were lost’, but they don’t indicate whether there was a car or how many.
It should be noted that Public Defender Nino Lomjaria also responded to the case. She drew a parallel with the Khorava Street case and said she had some fears about how effectively and timely all investigative actions would be carried out. The ombudsman offered assistance to the victim's family and said she was ready to get involved if needed.
