“I reached out to [Tornike Rizhvadze’s] family members. I haven’t seen him in person – his wish is to have almost no interaction with those around him. He is in a condition that we are approaching with full understanding,” said Mamuka Mdinaradze, the newly appointed head of the State Security Service, regarding Tornike Rizhvadze, the former head of the Adjara government.
As Mdinaradze noted, Tornike Rizhvadze is their friend, but not as close as some have claimed, suggesting they were “close friends” or “together day and night.”
“The only basis for the speculations we’ve heard regarding Tornike Rizhvadze’s case is immorality. Within this framework, investigative bodies refrain from commenting on personal or other matters to avoid touching on personal issues, which would also be immoral.
Yes, I reached out to [Tornike Rizhvadze’s] family members. I haven’t seen him in person. Tornike is a person who has made significant contributions to his region and the ruling team. He is our friend. Not as you suggested—‘close friend’ or ‘together day and night’—but he is our friend. His wish is to have almost no interaction with those around him. He is in a condition that we are approaching with full understanding. We cannot go into further detail due to personal matters. Please do not exploit this in the future; it would be immoral to do so,” Mdinaradze stated.
For reference, according to the investigation’s version, on July 7, Tornike Rizhvadze attempted suicide at the home of Aleksi Akhvlediani, the former director of the Maritime Transport Agency, in Sagarejo. He sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. At the family’s request, Rizhvadze was transferred to a clinic in Turkey for treatment.
Additionally, “Imedi” published a letter that, according to their information, Tornike Rizhvadze allegedly wrote before attempting suicide.
In the letter, Rizhvadze writes that he is being accused of “corruption and protecting smugglers.”
“Aleko has nothing to do with this; I took it quietly. This man is an example of brotherhood. The reason is one: they accuse me of (corruption and protecting smugglers), something my father and I fought against our entire lives. I’m tired – I’ve seen great victories and failures. I ask for forgiveness from my family and the Patriarch. Father, you will always be the number one man in my eyes for your dignity. Data, grow up to be a true man, take care of Eli. Mother, I love you. Forgive me, brothers, I can’t leave you millions, but I love you. I hope Mr. Bidzina and the Prime Minister will protect my family. My friends, colleagues, and family members – all acted on my instructions and orders. Everyone is innocent. I take responsibility with my life. Please don’t perform an autopsy, and don’t blame anyone. This is my writing. May God protect my beloved Adjara and Georgia,” the letter published by “Imedi” states.
Mamuka Mdinaradze: It is Tornike Rizhvadze’s preference to have almost no interactions with those around him, and we understand this – “there was an appeal: ‘close friend,’ ‘they were together day and night’,” not like that, but he is our friend
