MIA Officials Suspend Office over Murder Scandal

Data Akhalaia, chief of the Interior Ministry’s Department for Constitutional Security (DCS), his deputy Oleg Melnikov and Vasil Sanodze, chief of the general inspection of the Interior Ministry have suspended office pending investigation on March 13. These officials were allegedly linked to the Sandro Girgvliani murder scandal.

“We have nothing to do with the crime committed on January 28 [murder of Sandro Girgvliani], neither direct, nor indirect. It might be a surprise for certain [persons], but solving of this [criminal] case was made possible as a result of our efforts. Despite this, as we feel morally responsibility towards the society, our government and our families, we have decided to appeal the Interior Minister [Vano Merabishvili] to suspend our duties,” Data Akhalaia stated at a news conference on March 13.

“I can say the same. I deemed it necessary to appeal the Interior Minister with the request to suspend my duties,” Vasil Sanodze stated.

No other comments were made as both Sanodze and Akhalaia left the press conference without answering journalists’ questions.

The Interior Ministry’s press office reported that Oleg Melnikov, deputy chief of Department for Constitutional Security has also stepped down.