Irakli Kobakhidze: I would like to thank the authorities of the United Arab Emirates for their attentiveness and fair justice - I thank Merab and Saba for their dignity
"I would like to thank the authorities of the United Arab Emirates for their attentiveness and fair justice," Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated in response to the release of Georgian athletes Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili.
According to the Prime Minister's statement, a fair decision was made in the United Arab Emirates regarding both the release of Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili, as well as the perpetrators of the attack.
"As is known, Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili left the detention facility in the United Arab Emirates today. I would like to thank Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili and Minister of Internal Affairs Sulkhan Tamazashvili, who immediately engaged in coordination to ensure the proper protection of their rights. Thanks to those who fully covered the legal representation and fine expenses for Merab and Saba. I would also like to thank the authorities of the United Arab Emirates for their attentiveness and fair justice. They made a fair decision both regarding the release of Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili, and toward those individuals who attacked them in a completely unworthy manner. I thank Merab and Saba for their dignity and wish them future success in their sports careers!" Irakli Kobakhidze stated.
On November 11 in Abu Dhabi, UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili and wrestler Saba Lazishvili were involved in a physical altercation—the incident occurred in a hotel lobby when Dagestani fighter Usman Nurmagomedov, accompanied by his associates, attacked Merab Dvalishvili. Saba Lazishvili also participated in the hotel brawl.
Legal proceedings were initiated regarding the incident, and police took all participants of the confrontation into custody.
In connection with the attack on Merab Dvalishvili, Usman Nurmagomedov and members of his group were sentenced to 6 months in prison, a fine, and deportation, while Merab Dvalishvili himself and Saba Lazishvili were fined for distributing video footage depicting the incident.
