Family Members State Yuri Vazagashvili Was Killed

Lado Bitchashvili, Shida Kartli

On January 20 Yuri Vazagashvili, father of Zurab Vazagashvili, killed during the special operation in 2006, died as a result of explosion on the grave of his son in Karapila village, Kaspi district. Vazagashvili was at the funeral of his relative in the village and then went to his son’s grave.

Giorgi Gigulashvili, relative: “He came to the funeral service together with his wife two days ago too; whenever he came to the village, he for sure went to the grave of his son. He spent most of his time there when he arrived in the village.”

There are two preliminary versions about the tragedy. According to one version, the territory of the cemetery was mined; according to the second version Vazagashvili committed suicide. Sister of the dead man Manana Vazagashvili categorically excludes the version of the suicide. “The investigation into Zura’s murder case was progressing. His murderers killed my brother too.”

“Who is eager to hinder the resolution of Zurab Vazagashvili’s murder case, might have assassinated Yuri Vazagashvili too,” lawyer Gagi Mosiashvili said when he arrived on the scene of the tragedy in Karapila village. 

Gagi Mosiashvili, the lawyer: “The man is dead. He was exploded on the grave of his son; we know nothing more. Investigation is still underway into Zurab Vazagashvili’s case; now, the investigation will have to work on two assassination facts.”

Human rights defenders arrived in Karapila and requested the government to timely investigate the crime from there.

Nana Kakabadze, human rights defender: “Yuri Vazagashvili was killed and now it must be estimated who committed this crime. Wrong information was disseminated as if he exploded himself on the grave of his son that is incorrect.”

Ia Metreveli, mother of Buta Robakidze, killed during special operation: “Under the new government, members of the United National Movements still managed to kill Mr. Yuri because he fought hard. He was exploded on the grave of his son. I request the government to timely take measures and clean every institution from the members of the UNM.”

Law enforcement officers and expert-criminalists arrived at the scene of tragedy. The law enforcement bodies have not released any additional information about the accident. Prosecutor’s office started investigation under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Georgia that is premeditated murder under aggravating circumstances.