The Head of Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency, Aleksi Akhvlediani, has been detained in connection with the shooting of former Adjara government head Tornike Rizhvadze. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) confirmed to BM.GE that Akhvlediani faces charges under Article 238 of the Criminal Code for negligent storage of a firearm.
On July 7, Rizhvadze was admitted to Sagarejo Geohospitals with a gunshot wound to the chest. According to medical staff, the injury damaged his lung; his condition is described as serious but stable.
The MIA has launched an investigation under Article 115, which concerns incitement to suicide, while intensive investigative actions are ongoing. Authorities have not confirmed the precise circumstances of the incident.
Sources indicate that the shooting occurred at the Sagarejo residence of Aleksi Akhvlediani, who is currently being questioned by police. Rizhvadze is alleged to have attempted suicide, though no official conclusion has been released.
Akhvlediani, appointed head of the Maritime Transport Agency in May 2023, previously served as Chairman of the Georgian National Olympic Committee and has held senior roles across both public and private sectors. He is an Honorary Doctor of David Agmashenebeli University.
Under Article 238, negligent storage of a firearm that leads to grave consequences is punishable by a fine, corrective labor, restriction of liberty for up to two years, or imprisonment for up to three years.
Rizhvadze led the government of Adjara from 2018 until his resignation in April 2025, when he announced his departure in a Facebook post, thanking Georgian Dream leaders for their support and affirming his continued loyalty to the party.
