Archil Gagnidze, a rugby player arrested in connection with the murder of football player Giorgi Shakarashvili, has been officially charged.

As Beka Nemsitsveridze, the athlete's lawyer, said after leaving the Tbilisi Police Department, Archil Gagnidze pleads not guilty.

"My client was in Mtskheta, however, for a completely different purpose. He has not taken part in any of the conflicts," the lawyer said.

The body of football player Giorgi Shakarashvili was found in the river after 4 days of search operations a few days ago. Police arrested 17 persons in connection with the murder of Giorgi Shakarashvili yesterday.