New details on Kitsmarishvili’s case

An independent expert is involved in the investigation into the sudden death of former media tycoon Erosi Kitsmarishvili.

Kitsmarishvili’s family invited independent expert Maia Nikolaishvili to be involved in the examination process and overall investigation of Kitsmarishvili’s recent death.

Kitsmarishvili – founder of Georgian television channel Rustavi 2, ex-Mayoral candidate of Rustavi city and the ex-Georgian Ambassador to Russia – was found dead in his car parked in underground park at his Vake home. He had a single gunshot wound to the head. Nikolaishvili today said the shot was made from a very close distance.

An examination of his body has been completed. Now, Kitsmarishvili’s car and the gun found close to the body is being examined.

The Chief Prosecutor Office today released additional information about the investigation.

The Office said new facts and evidence had been found following the investigation. It particularly emphasized the presence of Kitsmarishvili’s brother as the site was investigated and the firearm and bullet was removed.

The Prosecutor’s Office decrypted video material from surveillance cameras which were installed at Kitsmarishvili’s underground carpark – where the incident took place – however technical problems meant some of this materials had been removed.

Meanwhile an Office representative said the independent expert had the possibility to attend and participate in the investigation process.

Kitsmarishvili’s family also released a statement about his death. The family said they did not agree with the version of suicide and are waiting for the investigation to be completed.

"The family is shocked by the accident; this tragedy is totally unexpected and awful to us. It is very difficult for us to find any explanation for what had happened. Erosi has always been energetic and active person and he has been thinking even about lots of the projects that had to be implemented during the most recent period. Subsequently, the family does not agree with the suicide version and waits for the completion of the investigation,” the family said.

United States Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland offered condolence to Kitsmarishvili’s family.

"We are looking forward to the results of the investigation with great interest”, Norland said.

"This story is a real tragedy. I understand that investigation is under way and along with everyone, we are looking forward to the results of this investigation,” he said.

The Chief Prosecutor’s Office released an initial statement about the death of the former media executive early evening yesterday.

The Prosecutor’s Office said although a formal investigation into Kitsmarishvili’s death had been launched under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, which deals with alleged cases of bringing a victim to a suicide, investigators were examining "various” lines of inquiry, including murder.

Many of Kitsmarishvili’s friends and colleagues who had spoken to him recently, said Kitsmarishvili was building plans for the future, was very energetic and optimistic, and they did not believe it was a suicide.