Former official Rizhvadze transferred to Tbilisi clinic after alleged suicide attempt

Tornike Rizhvadze, the former chairman of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in the country’s west, has been transferred from Sagarejo’s regional Geohospital to the First University Clinic in Tbilisi following a gunshot wound to the chest.

Medical staff said Rizhvadze remained in a serious but stable condition, with lung damage sustained in what authorities are investigating as an alleged suicide attempt. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the incident occurred on Monday, prompting an emergency response and immediate surgery.

The ministry has launched a criminal investigation under Article 115 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns incitement to suicide. In connection with the case, Aleksi Akhvlediani, head of the Maritime Transport Agency, has been detained under Article 238 for negligent storage of a firearm.

Local media report that Rizhvadze left a note, found in his clothing by medical staff, in which he alleged political and personal pressure and called for protection of his family. Rizhvadze resigned from his post in April 2025 after serving as Adjara’s leader since 2018.