Patient Tornike Rizhvadze's state remains critical, with continuous use of mechanical ventilation.
In a shocking turn of events, Tornike Rizhvadze, the former head of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia, was hospitalized on July 7, 2025, after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. The incident, which occurred at a hospital in Sagarejo, resulted in lung injury.
Rizhvadze was subsequently transferred to the First University Clinic in Tbilisi for further treatment. His condition has been consistently described as **stable but serious**, with some reports also using the term **critically stable**. At times, medical staff have noted signs of positive progress, though he remains on life support for some period after admission.
Authorities have opened an investigation under Georgian criminal code articles related to incitement to suicide, as the incident is believed to be a possible suicide attempt. A suicide note reportedly left by Rizhvadze indicated that he attributed his act to ongoing corruption charges and made an appeal concerning the safety of his family.
In a separate incident, Aleksi Akhvlediani, the Head of the Maritime Transport Agency, was detained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on charges related to negligent firearm storage. It has been clarified that Akhvlediani is not directly connected to the case of Tornike Rizhvadze.
Dr. Levan Ratiani, who is currently overseeing Tornike Rizhvadze's care at the First University Clinic, will provide an update on his condition following the examinations. Lali Turdzeladze, the Clinical Director of the First University Clinic, has provided information about Rizhvadze's condition to the media.
The investigations into the negligent storage of a firearm by Aleksi Akhvlediani are ongoing. It is important to note that Akhvlediani's detainment does not affect Tornike Rizhvadze's ongoing treatment.
The case of Tornike Rizhvadze has been used as a warning to all Georgian Dream members, as the ongoing corruption charges against him have been a topic of public debate. However, it is crucial to maintain the separation between the two incidents to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
[1] Ministry of Internal Affairs Press Release, July 7, 2025. [2] First University Clinic Press Release, July 7, 2025. [3] Georgian Public Broadcaster News, July 8, 2025. [4] Sagarejo Hospital Statement, July 7, 2025. [5] Georgian Times, July 9, 2025.
Tornike Rizhvadze's care at the First University Clinic is overseen by Dr. Levan Ratiani, who has been exploring various science-based therapies and treatments to promote his mental health and wellness during recovery. Lali Turdzeladze, the Clinical Director of the First University Clinic, has emphasized the critical need for ongoing support and care in Rizhvadze's health-and-wellness journey.
