Hostages in Zugdidi - MIA releases first statement

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident in Zugdidi under three articles of the Criminal Code. The case is initiated under Articles 179, 236 and 144.

The agency releases the first statement on the ongoing special operation in Zugdidi, which we offer without changes:

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs began investigating the incident in Zugdidi under three articles of the Criminal Code. The case was opened under Articles 179, 236 and 144.

The agency publishes the first statement on the ongoing special operation in Zugdidi, which we propose without changes:

The Interior Ministry received a notification that an armed man had intruded into one of the banks located on ZviadGamsakhurdia Avenue in Zugdidi at approximately 14:21.

The policemen cordoned off the area around the scene in an instant response mode and began an operation to neutralize the perpetrator. Law enforcement officers have now been mobilized on the spot, and investigative and operational activities are under way.

Police officers have cordoned off the area around the scene of the incident. Law enforcement officers have been mobilized at the site, and investigative and operative actions are being conducted.

It is very important for a peaceful police operation to observe safety standards in the immediate vicinity of the scene. The Interior Ministry calls on the media to comply with safety standards and not to broadcast live police events and the operation conducted by the special forces. That jeopardizes the lives of citizens and police officers, as well as their health.

An investigation has been opened under Articles 179, 236 and 144 of the Criminal Code. The Interior Ministry will provide information to the public in stages.”

A special operation is underway in the center of Zugdidi at the moment. At that time, according to the available information, an armed person broke into the Bank of Georgia and took hostages.

The exact number of hostages is still unknown.Some of the hostages are taken out of the back of the building with the help of a fire ladder.