Former Adjara Head Rizhvadze reportedly battled depression before alleged suicide attempt, as revealed by the prosecutor.
In a series of shocking events, a high-profile shooting incident and an alleged suicide attempt have sent waves through the Georgian political landscape.
Former Adjara head Tornike Rizhvadze sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was transferred to Turkey for treatment, following the incident that took place at his family home in Sagarejo, a town in eastern Georgia's Kakheti region. Rizhvadze had resigned from his position three months prior, in April.
Two criminal investigations have been opened following the shooting incident. One investigation is focused on the negligent storage of the firearm, while the other investigates allegations of incitement to suicide.
Prosecutor Nugzar Chitadze has linked Rizhvadze's alleged suicide attempt to a depressed state caused by a negative campaign against him. Several of Rizhvadze's friends and family members have indicated that he was targeted by negative PR that led to his depressed state. Chitadze mentioned the 'negative PR' and its possible consequences specifically when discussing the investigation into incitement to suicide.
The handwriting expert who examined the authenticity of the alleged suicide note from Tornike Rizhvadze has confirmed that the letter belongs to Rizhvadze. However, the expert's name remains undisclosed.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has been under pressure to address suspicions that Rizhvadze may have had disagreements with his former teammates and was facing pressure from them before the incident. Akhvlediani, who was involved in the case, has denied any disagreements between Rizhvadze and the ruling party. Akhvlediani, who was dismissed from his position as head of the Maritime Transport Agency following the shooting incident, could not specify how Rizhvadze got hold of his gun, which he said was always kept in a closed bag.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has addressed the media coverage surrounding the incident, alleging that 'countless lies, insults, and slander' had been spread, including by opposition-leaning media outlets like TV Pirveli and Formula. Akhvlediani, who was detained on the day of the shooting but was released on bail two days later, has stated that Rizhvadze had wanted to continue his career at Georgia's Embassy in the UK, a move that had already been approved by Kobakhidze.
As the investigations continue, both Akhvlediani's case and the handwriting expert's report have moved to the substantive stage of proceedings, set to begin on 8 September. The outcome of these investigations is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident and Rizhvadze's alleged suicide attempt.
