Protesters Demand Mayor to Resign Following Death of Teenager in Vake Park

| News, Georgia

On October 17, a protest march was staged in Tbilisi, Georgia, calling on Mayor Kakha Kaladze to accept political responsibility for Marita Meparishvili's murder and step down. Meparishvili and two companions were electrocuted in a fountain in the recently refurbished Vake Park in the heart of Tbilisi. Meparishvili died as a result. Additionally, they set up a "corridor of shame" in front of the structure. 

On October 18, the Ministry of Internal Affairs disclosed that nine people had been detained in relation to the death of 13-year-old Marita Meparishvili. The director of Greenservice+, the principal contractor for the improvements, and the Deputy Director of Tbilisi City Hall's Environmental Protection Department were detained. Article 240 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which deals with violations of building requirements, is being used to investigate the situation. It carries a potential 4-to-7-year jail term. 

On October 13, three teens were electrocuted while attempting to get a ball that had fallen into the fountain. After being transferred to the hospital, Meparishvili passed away. After receiving medical treatment for their injuries, her two pals were released from the facility.

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