Video: Arthur Mkoyan Opens Fire on Police in Georgia

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has commented on the arrest of Arthur Mkoyan, a member of the "United National Movement," in Akhalkalaki. The ministry has denied claims made by the opposition party that the activist is a victim of political persecution, as reported by 1in.am.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, a video attached to the announcement shows Mkoyan firing a gun. The incident reportedly took place on August 23 on David Agmashenebeli Street in Akhalkalaki. The driver of an Opel vehicle opened fire on police officers who were driving a civilian car before fleeing the scene.

Georgian police soon identified the man involved in the incident as A.M., born in 1985. An investigation has been launched under Article 236 of the Georgian Criminal Code for illegal possession, acquisition, and carrying of firearms. During the investigation, police searched the suspect’s home, where he resisted. Consequently, the man was taken into custody for violating Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for not complying with police lawful orders.

“We would also like to respond to a press conference held in the office of the ‘United National Movement’ party regarding this incident, where a party representative claimed that the search at the home of their party member in Akhalkalaki constitutes terrorism against the family and political persecution. This claim is not true. The initiation of the case and the search at A. M.'s residence fully comply with procedural law,” stated the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

It is worth mentioning that Giorgi Botkoveli, a member of the “National United Movement,” declared at a press conference held the day before that Arthur Mkoyan is a victim of “terrorism and political persecution” and that his arrest was illegal.