Victim’s mother: more juveniles, doctors, law enforcement officers will face charges in Giga Avaliani case

The mother of murdered teacher Giga Avaliani, Eka Kupatadze, has said that the investigation into his death will not be limited to four juveniles already charged, and that other minors, as well as doctors and law enforcement officials, may also face prosecution.

Speaking about the ongoing case on Monday, Kupatadze said that neither the defendants nor their lawyers had admitted guilt, and criticised what she described as previous silence from defence attorneys.

“Even if the maximum sentence is applied, justice will not be fully served, because the murder of Giga Avaliani does not involve only these four juveniles. Several other minors will also face charges. In addition, doctors and law enforcement officials are expected to be held accountable. I want to thank the judge for her cooperation,” she said.

In the ongoing trial, three juveniles – Aleksandre Gabashvili, Giorgi Rikadze, and Demetre Chikovani – have been found guilty. Judge Romeo Tkeshelashvili ruled that all three were guilty on all charges.

Sentencing is scheduled for 8 April.

The defendants faced charges under Article 117, part 4 of the Criminal Code, relating to intentional grievous bodily harm resulting in death, as well as Article 225, parts 1 and 2, relating to organising and participating in group violence.