Kidnap or Escape? Police Takes Found Underage Girl to Shelter
By Tea Mariamidze
Monday, October 22
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reports they have found the 17-year old girl from Kakheti region, who was allegedly kidnapped from her own house on October 12 by a man living in the same village who wanted to marry her.
The family of the underage stated she was kidnapped while she was alone in the house with her sister.
However, when the girl was found she told the police she escaped with the man herself in order to marry him. She explained the family was against the marriage this is why she decided to get away with the man.
The family of the underage claims she is being pressured by the kidnapper and she is lying about giving consent on marrying the man. They say the underage did not even know the alleged kidnapper and it is impossible that she intended to marry him.
MIA reports after they found the girl the psychologists were involved in the case, who gave the recommendation to transfer the girl to the shelter, as she claims she does not want to live with her family.
“During the interview, the juvenile explained that he met the man from her village a few months ago and decided to create a family with him. According to her, no violence or unlawful deprivation of liberty took place and all acts were carried out in accordance with her true will,” the police stated.
MIA reports that the girl speaks about the risks of psychological and physical violence against her from her family, because of her decision to marry the man; this is why she demanded to be transferred to the shelter of the victims of domestic violence.
“With regard to the safety of the juvenile and taking into consideration the real risks, a restraining order has been issued. At present the girl is in the shelter and her health is not in danger,” the police said.
Georgia’s Public Defender, Nino Lomjaria is also involved in the case. Ekaterine Skhiladze, the Deputy Public Defender, explained that it is important that the alleged fact of kidnapping should not be left without attention.
According to her, at this stage, the Public Defender cannot assess whether this girl is a victim of violence or not, but they will observe the process of issuing relevant services to the underage.
"It is very important that in all cases of early marriages the state had effective responses. The interests of the underage should be taken into account. It should be ensured such underage girls receive proper education and their rights are observed,” Skhiladze said.
The MIA has launched an investigation into the alleged kidnapping case under part 3 of the article N143 of the criminal code of Georgia, which envisages illegal deprivation of liberty for the underage.
