Georgian singer detained "for promoting prostitution"

Georgian singer Irma Kurtanidze, also known as Khatia Tsereteli, detained on the fact of facilitating prostitution and providing a place for prostitution, enjoys the right to remain silent, Interpressnews reports, citing her lawyer Avtandil Chuashvili.

Law enforcement officers detained a total of 12 Georgian and Chinese citizens, including Khatia Tsereteli, on charges of facilitating prostitution and providing a place for prostitution.

Detention was chosen as a preventive measure for all 12 detainees.

According to Prosecutor Tea Giorgadze, at this stage none of the accused is cooperating with the investigation, all enjoy the right to remain silent and do not admit guilt. According to the prosecutor, the investigation is ongoing and the circle of persons who committed the crime may increase.

The detainees were charged under parts 1 and 2 of Article 254 of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment for up to 4 years.

According to the prosecutor's office, the defendants opened Chinese massage parlors in Tbilisi as a cover for prostitution, where they promoted prostitution and provided a place for it.