The former head of the Maritime Transport Agency confirms that the former head of the Adjara Government, Tornike Rizhvadze, is in Germany.

As he told “TV Pirveli,” Rizhvadze went from Türkiye to Germany to undergo eye surgery.

“He already had one eye operation, and they went to Germany for the second operation. No one has moved there permanently. He still has an eye problem, and that’s why he went to another clinic in Germany. He has not lost his vision, but he is having complications. After the first operation, fluid built up again, so he needs additional treatment. After the first surgery, we were sure that everything would go well and that fluid would not build up again, but unfortunately it did, and he went to Germany for additional treatment. Of course he will return, why wouldn’t he?! As for the claim that he went with his family to seek asylum, I have heard nothing of the sort and I don’t understand why he would request asylum. He had previously been to Germany regarding this medical problem and was planning to return to the same clinic. Since he happened to be in Türkiye, he had the first surgery there, but the fluid reappeared and now he is there. He does not have a phone and I have not spoken with him,” — said Alexi Akhvlediani.

To remind readers, “Adjara Times” reported yesterday that the former Chair of the Adjara Government is in Germany together with his family.

For background, according to investigators, Tornike Rizhvadze attempted suicide on July 7. He had a gunshot wound to the chest. At the request of the family, Rizhvadze was transferred to a clinic in Türkiye for treatment.

The investigation into Tornike Rizhvadze’s attempted suicide is ongoing under Article 115 of the Criminal Code.