Tornike Rizhvadze, the former Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, has been transferred to Turkey for further medical treatment. The news was confirmed by Lali Turdzeladze, Clinical Director of the First University Clinic in Tbilisi.
“The family made the decision. They considered it necessary. His condition had not worsened, he remained stable and was on a ventilator. He was transported late last night,” Turdzeladze told bm.ge.
Rizhvadze was hospitalized on July 7 following what authorities have described as a suicide attempt. The incident took place at the Sagarejo residence of the Head of the Maritime Transport Agency, Aleksi Akhvlediani. The former official sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, reportedly aimed at the heart.
He was first admitted to Sagarejo Geohospitals, where emergency surgery was performed, before being transferred to the First University Clinic in Tbilisi for further treatment. According to Georgia’s Minister of Health, Rizhvadze suffered lung damage, but the bullet did not strike any other vital organs.
In response to the incident, law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation. A criminal case has been initiated under Article 115 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to incitement to suicide. Additionally, Aleksi Akhvlediani is being investigated under Article 238 for the negligent storage of firearms.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
