A Clergyman Arrested on Charges of Attempted Premeditated Murder

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained one of the clergymen of Kintsvisi Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastery in the Shida Kartli region, eastern Georgia, on charges of attempted premeditated murder.

The investigation established that the accused allegedly opened fire on the victim's car from a firearm while driving on the road in the village of Rieti, Gori district, after which he fled the scene.

The offense is punishable by 7 to 15 years in prison.

The confrontation between the clergy took place on April 20. Reportedly, one of the clergymen participating in the confrontation was lightly wounded.

The investigation is underway under Articles 109 and 236 of the Criminal Code, which envisage attempted premeditated murder and illegal purchase, possession, transportation or sale of firearms or explosive devices.

By Ana Dumbadze