Officers from the Tbilisi Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have arrested sixteen individuals affiliated with radical fascist groups across the country today. Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, Vazha Siradze, announced this during a briefing at the Ministry.
As Siradze highlighted, ten of those detained are minors.
“An investigation conducted by law enforcement over several months revealed that members of these violent groups identified themselves as neo-Nazis and were driven by a fascist ideology. In an effort to expand their influence and gain recognition, they adopted a radical stance towards their victims and, with particular cruelty, physically assaulted those who did not share their beliefs.
The members of these groups recorded photos and videos of the violence, degrading acts, and both physical and psychological abuse inflicted on victims, using their mobile phones. They then disseminated this material across various internet platforms.
More than ten people, including four minors, sustained injuries as a result of these violent acts.
During searches of the suspects’ personal and residential premises, authorities seized mobile phones, masks, various electronic devices, Nazi symbols, and other items, including acoustic and blunt weapons.
The investigation is ongoing under Article 144, Part 2, Subparagraph ‘G’, and Part 3, Subparagraph ‘B’ of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the inhumane treatment of minors committed by a group with prior knowledge. The offence carries a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment.
We would like to remind the public that two leaders of these radical fascist groups, Levan Abesadze and Davit Japarov, are already serving prison sentences for similar charges, having been detained by law enforcement several months ago. Additionally, seven other group members have been apprehended alongside them. The investigation has established that other members of these ideological groups continued to engage in violent activities, as confirmed by evidence obtained during ongoing inquiries.
Criminal investigation actions are currently being pursued vigorously to identify further individuals connected with these fascist violent groups and to hold them accountable. We urge every member of society to report any signs of such crimes immediately, to prevent further cruel treatment of minors and the spread of this dangerous ideology among young people.
Finally, I would like to extend our gratitude to every officer of the Tbilisi City Police for their successful operation,” they stated at the briefing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
