UPDATED: Georgian citizen detained near occupied Tskhinvali released
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Updated: 18:23
A Georgian citizen illegally detained by de-facto ‘border’ guards near Georgia’s Russian occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) has been released.
So-called ‘border guards’ detained Zurab Zhgenti on December 28 for allegedly crossing the ‘border’.
According to the Georgian State Security Service, Zhgenti was released from Tskhinvali jail yesterday.
Earlier: 12:47
A Georgian citizen has been detained by de-facto ‘border’ guards near Georgia’s Russian occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Zurab Zhgenti, 64, lives in the village of Alevi in Kareli region close to the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL).
The de-facto State Security Committee’s press service said an investigation is now underway and the case may be sent to their court.
Read also: Occupied Tskhinvali closes "border” with the rest of Georgia for New Year
Russian-backed breakaway Tskhinvali calls the occupation line between Tskhinvali region and the rest of Georgia "the state border” and treats any cases of line crossing by locals as cases of "illegal border crossing.”
In some areas, the line is not well differentiated, and occupant forces often advance the so-called border. Consequently, the illegal detention of Georgian citizens is a common issue along the occupation line.
Detainees are usually released once their family pays a fine.