Conflict of Kists with Kakhetians in Georgia escalates into mass brawl

A conflict broke out among the Kist nationals living in the village of Duisi and Kakhetians from the village of Matani. Anzor Machalikashvili, the uncle of Temirlan Machalikashvili, killed in a special operation in Pankisi, suffered in the clash.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that law enforcers claimed that the 19-year-old Temirlan Machalikashvili tried to throw a grenade at them. In its turn, the victim's family claims that the young man was shot while in bed.

Malkhaz Machalikashvili, Temirlan's father, said that on July 24, his brother Anzor was attacked.

"Authorities are trying to prevent an investigation into my son's murder' therefore, they put pressure on my brother, then on my nephew," he said.

On July 23, a conflict broke out among ethnic Kists and local Kakhetians, which began when a resident of the village of Matani knocked down a chicken in the Kist village of Duisi. After that, a group of young people tried to hold him accountable; a fight broke out and several residents of Matani were wounded, the "Mtavari Arkhi" TV reports.

On July 24, residents of Matani blocked the passage to the Pankisi Gorge and did not allow Kists there. The confrontation continued until the Kist elders arrived and settled the situation.

The "Pankisi Public Organization" has called on the parties to end the confrontation, the "Radioway" reports.