Suspect in Marneuli shooting arrested near Kartsakhi border sector

A suspect accused of a fatal shooting in Marneuli has been detained in the Kartsakhi border sector following a joint operation by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and law enforcement agencies from Turkey’s Artvin Province.

The Interior Ministry said the 2002-born suspect was arrested on charges of attempted intentional murder and the illegal acquisition, possession and carrying of a firearm. The investigation established that the suspect opened fire inside a gold shop in Marneuli, wounding a father and son before fleeing the scene. Both victims were taken to hospital, where one of them later died from gunshot injuries.

Law enforcement officers identified the suspect shortly after the incident and launched search measures, which led to his detention near the Georgian-Turkish border.

The investigation is underway under Articles 19-109 and 236 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude to Turkey’s Interior Ministry, as well as customs and foreign trade services, for their cooperation, noting the close and effective partnership between Georgian and Turkish law enforcement agencies in combating crime, including serious offences.