Briefing of the Director of the Central Criminal Police Department - Mamuka Chelidze
Due to the high public interest, we would like to provide you with additional information regarding the case of Aleksandre Lashkarava's death.
In connection with the death of the cameraman of the "TV Pirveli" TV company, the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out more than 200 investigative and procedural activities. 110 individuals have been interviewed.
65 video footage from video surveillance camera systems were studied. A forensic- medical examination with the involvement of independent experts is appointed to determine the actual cause of death.
According to the chemical report, the following drugs were found in the sample taken from the body of the deceased: "morphine", "codeine", "tetrahydrocannabinol", "gabapentin" and "monoacetylmorphine”. According to the examination, the cause of death may have been an overdose by the mentioned substances.
We are also publishing the details of the movement of Aleksandre Lashkarava, which was compiled as a result of studying private video surveillance systems as well as “112” center which is also confirmed by the witness testimonies.
Based on the evidence obtained at this stage of investigation, the following can be stated:
Aleksandre Lashkarava is depicted at his place of residence on Ioseliani Street, at 15:28 and is moving to the direction of Bakhtrioni Street along with his friend.
After the mentioned, together with a friend, at 15:31 he enters one of the drug stores on Bakhtrioni Street, where he purchases psychotropic drugs and disposable syringes. I repeat, this is confirmed by the evidences attached to the case.
Afterwards, Aleksandre Lashkarava heads to Ponichala settlement with his friend in the direction of Tsurtaveli Street, where it is depicted by cameras at 16:31.
As you know, he visits Ponichala twice with a friend. Based on the evidences, it can be said that he leaves some cash to buy drugs and returns to Ortachala with a friend, they are depicted by one of the gas station cameras, where he purchased certain products.
After that, he and his friend return from Ortachala to Ponichala settlement and arrive at Tsurtaveli Street at 19:41, where, according to witnesses, they bought drugs.
According to the evidence attached to the case, they are returning from the mentioned address to Ortachala, in particular, in the vicinity of Gorgasali lane, where they consumed drugs in one of the forested areas. Also according to the testimony, Aleksandre Lashkarava is feeling unwell because of the drug that he took and his friend is trying to recover him. After attempting to recover his friend unsuccessfully, by himself, he arrives at one of the nearby medical facilities, which is depicted in the video. Aleksandre Lashkarava’s friend requests specific medication - Narcan at the treating facility in order to recover his friend from the supposed drug overdose, which is depicted in the video footage.
For certain reasons, he fails to take Aleksandre Lashkarava to a medical facility and returns to him, where he again tries to help his friend to recover from overdose, which he manages as it is being confirmed by the testimony.
After some time, he manages to recover a friend and few minutes later return to “Deda Ena” park by moped at 23:16, where Aleksandre Lashkarava is again in poor health condition which is also reflected on the cameras and all of the mentioned is confirmed by the witness testimonies.
After certain period of time, Aleksandre Lashkarava returns to his residential building and at 00:10 am can be seen on the surveillance camera footage as he walks home.
Approximately at 6 a.m., family members make a call to the ambulance. Upon the arrival of the ambulance crew, unfortunately, Aleksandre Lashkarava is pronounced dead by the medics, after which they called the police.
We would like to note once again that on July 5, 5 persons were detained within the frames of the ongoing investigation regarding the fact of unlawful interference with Aleksandre Lashkarava’s professional activities and persecution under the threats of group violence. The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues the investigation and the agency will provide public with information periodically.
I would also like to emphasize that the above mentioned information and graphics are fully based on the testimonies of dozens of witnesses questioned in the frames of the case, and it is confirmed by the video evidence that you have already presented.
