Eleven detained over group violence and false testimony in Marneuli

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Tuesday said 11 people have been arrested in connection with a violent incident in the town of Marneuli, while another suspect has been charged in absentia.

Officers from the Kvemo Kartli Police Department and the Special Tasks Department carried out the arrests on the basis of a court order. The detainees face charges including giving false testimony and participating in group hooliganism.

Investigators said a dispute between several individuals escalated into a physical confrontation, during which public order was “grossly violated”. During the altercation, one of those involved allegedly used a cold weapon to inflict serious injuries on a man identified as B.A., born in 1994.

The MIA said that, through coordinated operative and investigative measures, law enforcement swiftly identified those involved and began taking legal action. Seven of the detainees are accused of providing false information to investigators despite having witnessed the incident.

All 11 suspects have been formally charged. An additional individual faces charges in absentia for intentionally causing grievous bodily harm and has been placed on a wanted list.

The offences carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years’ imprisonment.