Additional charges filed against three suspects in teacher’s murder case

Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday said that three individuals charged in connection with the death of young teacher Giga Avaliani were also suspected of involvement in additional episodes of group violence.

At a briefing, Tbilisi Prosecutor Giorgi Mikia said the investigation had identified four further episodes of violence involving the defendants Aleksandre Gabashvili, Giorgi Rikadze, and Demetre Chikovani. Video evidence showing the men committing assaults, including Gabashvili using weapons, has been released by prosecutors.

The agency said on 1 October 2025, Gabashvili and Rikadze carried out a premeditated attack on Avaliani in Tbilisi’s Sea District, resulting in severe injuries. Avaliani later died in hospital on 24 October 2025. Chikovani was also involved in planning the attack.

The office said the defendants and other associates had systematically targeted individuals for physical assault, often luring victims under false pretences, recording the attacks on mobile phones, and sharing footage in private groups. Several other incidents between February and September 2025 were also documented, including attacks in Tbilisi’s Didgomi district.

Gabashvili is charged under Articles 117(4) (intentional grievous bodily harm causing death) and 225(1) and (2) (organising and participating in group violence), carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years. Rikadze faces the same charges and potential sentence. Chikovani is charged under 225(1) and (2), carrying a maximum of nine years, and additionally under Article 18 and 117(3)(l) for preparation of grievous bodily harm.

All three defendants are in pre-trial detention.

The Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and that further charges could be brought if additional individuals are implicated in Avaliani’s death or other violent incidents.