Georgian Wrestling Federation President Arrested for Abusing Sportsman
By Tea Mariamidze
Thursday, January 24
President of the Georgian Wrestling Federation Gega (Tamaz) Gegeshidze was arrested with the charges of physically abusing the captain of Greco-Roman style wrestling team of Georgia and twice European champion Zurab Datunashvili.
The information was released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia.
The Ministry says they conducted active investigative actions to determine the factual circumstances of the case. Also, due to the refusal of voluntary delivery of information, the persons present at the conflict were interrogated with Magistrate Judge.
“The Investigation revealed that Gegeshidze physically assaulted sportsman Zurab Datunashvili during the match at the Sports Palace on January 11,” the statement reads.
MIA says that investigation is in progress under the Articles 126 and 239 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
Before the arrest, the Federation President rejected accusations against him. He confirmed there really was a brawl in Sport Palace on December 11, after one of the tournaments, but excluded his participation in it.
A few days ago Datunashvili released a statement about Gegeshidze, saying he hit him with a blunt object in the head at the Sports Palace. The sportsmen also accused the federation president of corruption.
Members of the Georgian Wrestling Team and chief coaches gathered at the Wrestling Federation headquarters to express support to Gegeshidze.
They demand the release of Gegeshidze, saying the problem should have been settled inside the federation.
One of the coaches, Nugzar Skhireli says Datunashvili’s actions are orchestrated by the Secretary-General of the Federation, Gocha Chorgoliani.
“Also, if you look at Datunashvili’s past, he has always had similar problems during the competitions,” he added.
World champion Geno Petriashvili also expressed support to Gegeshidze. He says what happened was a shame.
“We want our federation president back. I apologize to our fans for the recent developments,” he noted.
Mikheil Batiashvili, Minister of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Georgia, says that a proper decision regarding the Federation President will be made once the investigation is over.
