Interior Ministry employee arrested for abuse of official powers

The Prosecutor’s Office has arrested an employee of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on charges of exceeding official authority.

The investigation conducted by the Tbilisi Prosecutor’s Office established that on February 10 a minor was walking near the Nadzaladevi metro station when officers from the Gldani-Nadzaladevi district division stopped him for identification purposes. 

The minor fully disclosed his identity. However, the deputy head of the district division, identified as L.Kh., was aware that the individual was underage and that any investigative or procedural actions required the presence of a legal representative.

Despite this, prosecutors said that L.Kh. exceeded his official authority and, without legal grounds, decided to inspect the minor’s mobile phone in an attempt to find a so-called location photo allegedly confirming the placement of narcotics.

He demanded that the minor unlock and hand over the phone. After the minor refused, L.Kh. allegedly verbally insulted him, threatened arrest, and attempted to force him to unlock the device, but was unsuccessful.

Throughout the incident, the minor requested the presence of his legal representative and expressed willingness to allow inspection of the phone in such circumstances.

During questioning, L.Kh. admitted to exceeding his official authority.