“Even if I do not request an examination in cases involving crimes of this nature, the prosecution itself orders a psychiatric examination as a precautionary measure. Therefore, he will undergo one in any case,” Irakli Absandze, the lawyer for Nika Kapanadze, who was detained over the murder in Vera, told InterpressNews.

According to the lawyer, he has not yet met with his client and does not know Kapanadze’s position regarding the case.

“I have not yet met Nika. I do not know his position, nor am I familiar with the case materials at this stage.

“Charges will probably be brought during the day, and I will meet and speak with him there.

“I also do not know anything about his health condition. I do not know about that [his mental health condition] either. Even if I do not request an examination in cases involving crimes of this nature, the prosecution itself orders a psychiatric examination as a precautionary measure. Therefore, he will undergo one in any case,” the lawyer said.

For reference, late on July 22, four people, including two minors, were wounded after shots were fired from a firearm belonging to Nika Kapanadze at 31 Shanidze Street in Vera. One of them, 17-year-old Nikoloz Ghunashvili, died at the clinic. Law enforcement officers detained 42-year-old Nika Kapanadze at his hotel. According to available information, the detainee has a previous criminal record. A restraining order had also been issued against him in relation to his mother, Dodo Odisharia. His mother has also spoken about Kapanadze’s mental health problems.

As for the incident itself, an argument initially broke out between Kapanadze’s mother and the wounded individuals. Specifically, the woman reprimanded a group of young people who had left a café and whose car was parked in front of Kapanadze’s residence. According to available information, Kapanadze opened fire following the incident. Of the four people inside an Alfa Romeo, three were hit by bullets fired from a firearm, while the driver was unharmed. As for the fourth wounded person, they were traveling in a taxi when they were struck by a bullet.