Lawyer says detained official Aleksi Akhvlediani in “severe emotional distress” after suicide attempt of ex-Adjara Head

Aleksi Akhvlediani, head of Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency, is in “severe emotional distress” and has not yet been formally charged, according to his lawyer Lali Aptsiauri. Her statement follows the alleged suicide attempt of former Adjara government chairman Tornike Rizhvadze, who remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

“I was only able to make a brief visit due to the extreme stress Mr. Akhvlediani is experiencing,” Aptsiauri told reporters. “He is in a very difficult emotional state and unable to communicate. I could not even ask questions—just checked on his health and whether he needed anything.”

Akhvlediani has been detained under Article 238 of Georgia’s Criminal Code for the negligent storage of a firearm, the weapon allegedly used by Rizhvadze in the incident. However, formal charges have not yet been filed, and Aptsiauri said she has no access to the case materials at this stage.

Rizhvadze, who served as the head of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara from 2018 until his resignation in April 2025, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was transferred from Sagarejo to Tbilisi’s First University Clinic. Doctors say he sustained lung damage but remains in a stable condition following emergency surgery.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched a separate investigation under Article 115, which concerns incitement to suicide. Local media report that a handwritten note was found in Rizhvadze’s clothing, allegedly citing political and personal pressure and calling for the protection of his family.