The Georgian Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into a video posted on social media about the engagement of an 11-year-old Azerbaijani girl in the village of Ponichala (Soganlig) in Tbilisi, reads the statement of the Interior Ministry, APA's local bureau reports.
The investigation was launched under an article of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provides for the forced marriage of minors.
"The Tbilisi Main Department for Juvenile Affairs reacted immediately after the video was released and launched an investigation under Article 150 (2) (A) of the Georgian Criminal Code, which provides for the forcible marriage of a minor. All relevant investigative and procedural measures are being taken to identify the criminal cases mentioned in the video,” the statement said.
The Georgian Ombudsman's Office also said it had launched an investigation into the video. The statement said that the public defender's representatives received additional information about the fact and immediately informed law enforcement agencies.
"Unfortunately, early marriage, child marriage, as well as unpleasant engagement ceremonies still exist in Georgia. Examples examined by a Georgian public defender show that such cases are more common as forced marriages, illegal deprivation of liberty and agreements reached between parents,” the Ombudsman's Office said.
The Georgian public defender called on law enforcement agencies to respond adequately to the facts and to conduct the necessary investigation to prevent coercion and ensure the interests of the child.
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