Georgian police arrest 16 alleged members of extremist groups in nationwide operation

Georgian police have arrested 16 individuals suspected of involvement in violent extremist groups during a nationwide operation, the Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, Vazha Siradze, announced on Friday. 

In a briefing, the official said officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Tbilisi Police Department had detained the suspects for allegedly committing acts of physical and psychological violence with particular cruelty against people of various ages. Ten of those arrested are minors.

Siradze said a months-long criminal investigation found that members of the groups identified themselves as neo-Nazis and adhered to a fascist ideology. Investigators alleged that, in an effort to expand their influence and visibility, the suspects targeted individuals who did not share their views, subjecting them to severe physical assaults, intimidation and degrading treatment.

Siradze noted the suspects recorded photos and videos of the violence, humiliation, and psychological pressure inflicted on victims using mobile phones and later shared the material on various online platforms.

As a result of the alleged actions, more than ten people were injured, including four minors, according to the police.

During searches of the suspects’ personal belongings and residences, law enforcement officers seized mobile phones, masks, electronic devices, items bearing Nazi symbols, as well as blunt and bladed weapons, Siradze said.

The charges filed against the individuals concerns inhuman treatment committed by a group against a minor with prior knowledge. The offence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Siradze also noted that two leaders of radical extremist groups, Levan Abesadze and Davit Japarov, are already serving prison sentences on similar charges after being arrested several months ago. Seven additional group members were detained at that time. Investigators determined that other individuals linked to the same ideology continued violent activities, a finding supported by evidence obtained during the ongoing investigation.

Siradze urged members of the public to immediately report any signs of similar crimes in order to prevent abuse of minors and the spread of extremist ideologies among young people.

He also thanked officers of the Tbilisi Police Department for what he described as a successfully conducted police operation.