The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation into child abuse reports by Rakhman Musaev, a Georgian language and literature teacher - The investigation is being carried out under Article 150 of the Criminal Code of Georgia [foreseeing punishment for coercion].

The photos appeared in different media, showing reportedly IV year elementary school pupils made to kneel in punishment at the school in the village of Kirikhlo [Marneuli Municipality].

Photos of Musaev, who is also a Georgian Dream member of the Marneuli Local Council, forcing children to kneel as punishment emerged yesterday, October 2.

According to the existing information, the reason for Musaev’s punishment was that the students were not studying well – the teacher took the photo himself to share with the kid’s parents.

Mehman Musaev, the director of the school and Rakhman’s uncle, said that his nephew has already been dismissed.

Khanali Gakhramanov, Head of the Marneuli resource center, said that “such an action is unacceptable for both the resource center and the school, this is the first such incident that they have become aware of”.

Musaev also submitted his resignation from the Marneuli Local Council, where he represented the Georgian Dream. This was confirmed by the Council’s Chairperson, Amiran Giorgadze.