"In general, the life of a person engaged in politics is stressful, including when they no longer hold office," said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in response to a question about the alleged letter by Tornike Rizhvadze circulated in the media, in which Rizhvadze writes that he was accused of "corruption and protecting drug traffickers."
According to the Prime Minister, numerous lies, insults, and slanders are spread by specific media outlets, so no one should be surprised when a person experiences slander and insults. However, he added that he did not say that the letter implied the media and noted that he had cited it as one example, with the rest to be determined by the investigation.
"Countless lies are spread, there are numerous insults and slanders. I can name specific television channels that have been doing this, for example, 'TV Pirveli' and 'Formula.' The environment is generally stressful for a politician; a politician’s life is stressful. They are accused of countless lies, subjected to insults, and this is, of course, the responsibility of everyone who tries to sow hatred in Georgia. We have often spoken about this problem, and it is one of the national challenges for our country. The constant sowing of hatred is primarily done through spreading lies, slander, and insults. Therefore, no one should be surprised when a person experiences slander and insults directed at them. I didn’t say that the media was implied [in Rizhvadze’s letter]; I cited it as one example, and the rest must be determined by the investigation," stated Irakli Kobakhidze.
When asked whether he had looked into who was exerting pressure on Tornike Rizhvadze, Irakli Kobakhidze responded: "Of course, not only I but, first and foremost, the investigation has taken an interest in this matter, and naturally, I will also oversee the investigation process. This is a very important issue, and accordingly, I hope the investigation will establish all the details."
As a reminder, on July 7, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that Tornike Rizhvadze, the former chairman of the Adjara government, was admitted to "Geohospitals" in Sagarejo with a gunshot wound to the chest area. Later, Rizhvadze was transferred from Sagarejo to the First University Clinic in Tbilisi.
According to the investigation, on the evening of July 6, Tornike Rizhvadze was visiting his friend Alexi Akhvelediani’s house in Sagarejo. Between approximately 1:10 AM and 1:30 AM on July 7, Rizhvadze secretly took a "Glock" system firearm belonging to Akhvelediani, which Akhvelediani had negligently left in a glazed gazebo near his residence. Rizhvadze then secretly brought it to a bedroom designated for guests and, while alone, shot himself in the chest with the intent of suicide, resulting in severe health damage.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia charged Akhvelediani with negligent storage of a firearm. The investigation is being conducted under Article 238 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment.
The Tbilisi City Court imposed a 30,000 GEL bail on Alexi Akhvelediani, the head of the Maritime Transport Agency, who was charged with negligent storage of a firearm in connection with Tornike Rizhvadze’s case, and released him from the courtroom.
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