General Kutateladze Murder Case "Masquerade"

The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs announced on 8 August that a man in connection with the case concerning the murder of General Samson Kutateladze has been detained.

According to Natia Mezvrishvili’s statement, a 37-year-old man by the name of Giorgi Chanturaia was detained for premeditated murder and possession of illegal firearms, a crime that can result in imprisonment from 7 to 15 years.

The detainee entered an administrative building in Rustavi city on 15 January, along with General Samson Kutateladze. Within the building, an argument arose between the two allegedly regarding finances, after which Giorgi Chanturaia shot Samson Kutateladze. The General died of the resulting injuries.

Giorgi Chanturia's attorney Ani Kekenadze, however, claims her client is innocent, and that the MIA is conducting a “circus masquerade” in order to fool the public. The lawyer told journalists in Rustavi that she handed over the case files in Kvemo Kartli, however, the law enforcers did not give the case files back, claiming that they were never taken.

“The police seized three automatic firearms and ammunition during the search of the detainee's house. Investigation is underway under Article 108, Article 236, Section 2 and 3 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (premeditated murder, purchasing, carrying and keeping of illegal firearms), - said Natia Mezvrishvili.

"This is a ‘circus masquerade’ that has been staged for many months and is preparing to take full action. How can I make a serious statement and answer them at the briefing when no evidence has yet been delivered to the defense side.  Therefore, I cannot make a statement about the issues. I only heard the lies that I had heard many times before. While Giorgi Chanturia was in Rustavi, the MIA minister came and told the public that Chanturia crossed the border of Georgia and tried to escape. I will not answer to their lies, "said the lawyer.

"Giorgi Chanturia was arrested on August 7 at 22:00. He was taken to Rustavi Police Station. I was trying to meet with him for about 1 hour and speak with him, which was not allowed. Then they went to Chanturia's house to search it. There is no court order that they had the right to do so for a third time. This is a well-organized play, which was brought to you yesterday. The basement, where the weapon was found, was unlocked and easily accessible,"said Kekenadze.

By Shawn Wayne