Pre-trial detention has been ordered for a father and son accused of raping an 8-year-old child. The decision was made by Judge Levan Nutsubidze. The trial was held in Senaki District Court today and it was closed by the judge. The detainees pleaded not guilty.

The detainees, B.G. and Z.G., are charged under Article 137, Part 4, Subparagraph "c" of the Criminal Code of Georgia (rape knowingly committed against a minor), while Z.G. is also charged under Article 138, Part 3, Subparagraph (c) (other action of a sexual nature committed with violence, by using the victim's helplessness, against a person under the age of fourteen).

The Samegrelo police arrested the two men aged 65 and 35 in Martvili two days ago. Relatives of the victim and locals demand severe punishment of the accused. The villagers, where the incident took place set fire to the house of the accused.