Suspect in gender-based murder of transgender woman found mentally fit

Beka Jaiani, 26, accused of the particularly cruel, gender-based murder of Kesaria Abramidze, a 37-year-old transgender woman, has been declared mentally fit following a psychiatric-psychological examination.

The Levan Samkharauli National Bureau of Forensic Expertise determined that Jaiani was mentally sound at the time of the alleged crime. The findings were confirmed by Lekso Svimonishvili, the lawyer representing the victim’s family.

Jaiani remains in custody, having been arrested near Kutaisi Airport. He faces charges under Article 109 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which includes premeditated murder committed with particular cruelty and on the grounds of gender.