Police have launched an investigation into the damage to a cultural heritage monument in the village of Koman in the Akhalkalaki district, where unknown persons dug up the grounds of the Armenian church, which contains the old cemetery. This was reported by the press service of Georgia’s National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation, according to Novosti-Gruzia.
The reference is to a church dating to the mid-19th century. Koman is also significant for the study of ancient world history. Archaeologists have repeatedly discovered fragments of clay pottery there dating to the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.
“After examining the site, traces of heavy machinery operation have already been confirmed on the church grounds. Specialists have discovered human bones scattered irregularly around the church. The stone placed at the church entrance has also been damaged,” the agency reported.
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has opened a criminal case after receiving a complaint. It is noted that police must identify the group that carried out the illegal work on the cultural heritage monument’s grounds.
In parallel with the investigation, specialists must determine the extent of the damage caused to the structure.
