Two Turkish citizens arrested in connection with deadly shooting in Batumi

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has announced the arrest of two Turkish nationals in connection with a fatal shooting incident that took place in Batumi. According to the official statement, officers from the Adjara Police Department detained the suspects shortly after the crime occurred, following swift investigative and search operations.

The detainees are identified as A.E., born in 2003, and M.J., born in 1998. A.E. is charged with premeditated murder and the illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of a firearm. M.J. is facing charges for failing to report a particularly serious crime and for the unlawful crossing of Georgia's state border.

The Ministry reports that A.E. allegedly shot and killed 47-year-old H.T., also a citizen of Turkey, at a Batumi restaurant. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a conflict between criminal groups originating in Turkey. After the shooting, A.E. fled the scene.

Investigators also determined that M.J. witnessed the crime but failed to notify law enforcement authorities.

Both suspects were apprehended as part of an immediate response and have been formally charged.

The investigation is ongoing under Articles 108 (premeditated murder), 236 (illegal possession of firearms and ammunition), 376 (failure to report a particularly serious crime), and 344 (illegal border crossing) of Georgia’s Criminal Code. The offenses are punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment.