TBILISI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Georgian law enforcement authorities have detained 16 members of a radical neo-Nazi group on charges of organized violence, robbery, and the torture of a minor, the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia announced Saturday.
The suspects, reportedly including 10 minors and two girls, are accused of operating an organized criminal cell adhering to fascist ideology.
According to investigators, the group systematically targeted people selected in advance, attacking individuals who differed in their views, sexual orientation or identity.
The prosecution stated that the members subjected their victims to physical and psychological abuse, often filming the torture to distribute the footage across social media and encrypted private channels. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia confirmed that more than a dozen individuals, including several minors, have been identified as victims.
Prosecutors said those detained face multiple charges under Georgia's Criminal Code, including organizing or participating in group violence, aggravated robbery committed by a group, and the torture of a minor, offenses that collectively carry prison sentences ranging from several years to a maximum of 12 years.
The Prosecutor's Office said it will shortly apply to the court for pretrial restraint measures. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said investigation is underway to identify other members of the group involved in the crimes.
