The Tbilisi City Court has ordered pretrial detention as a preventive measure for Malkhaz Bagatelia, who is accused in the murder case that occurred near the Vake Courts.

According to the prosecutor, speaking after the court hearing, the judge accepted the prosecution’s arguments that there was a risk of committing a new crime, destroying evidence, and fleeing.

Malkhaz Bagatelia was formally charged today in connection with the murder that took place on December 31 near the Vake Courts. He is accused of intentional murder, the illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of a firearm, as well as the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic substances.