PHR: Nikoloz Basilashvili Faces Aggravated Criminal Charges

The Partnership for Human Rights (PHR) today announced that the renowned Georgian tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili will now face charges for aggravated assault in his criminal case. The newly obtained evidence, PHR says, proves that he has committed numerous acts of gender-based physical and psychological violence against Neli Dorokashvili, his ex-wife. 

“As of today, the state prosecution is accusing Nikoloz Basilashvili of four episodes of physical violence against Neli Dorokashvili and systematic psychological and economic violence,” the organization said in its statement.

The organization notes that several incidents of physical violence on part of Basilashvili have reached the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution, although they believe that these actions should be taken into account when assessing the regularity and severity of violence.

The trial in the criminal case of the famous tennis player is scheduled for October 20.

Nikoloz Basilashvili was arrested on May 24 on charges of assaulting his wife, but was released from pre-trial detention on GEL 100,000 bail.

The investigation against Basilashvili was initially launched under Article 126, Part 2, Subparagraph "b" of the Criminal Code, which stipulates violence against a family member in the presence of a minor.