Demonstrators condemn Georgian man’s death in occupied region

People gathered at the Freedom Square in the centre of Tbilisi today to condemn death of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region.

Demonstrators brought flowers and lit candles in memory of the 35-year-old, who died in the occupied region under unclear circumstances on February 23. However, the occupying force has not yet released his body.

A similar demonstration was held in the British capital of London last week when students demanded the return of Tatunashvili’s body to his family and that those responsible for his death be punished.

They also demanded the release of Levan Kutashvili and Ioseb Pavliashvili, Georgian nationals who were detained along with Tatunashvili on February 22 in Akhalgori, a territory currently controlled by Russians. 

The two have since been released but cannot leave the occupied territory since their identification documents have been confiscated.

Residents of other Georgian cities, including Gori, Kutaisi and Poti, also took to the streets to demand justice. Photo from 1tv.ge

Hundreds of organisations expressed solidarity with the family and condemned Russia’s occupation of Tskhinvali.

The Government of Georgia has demanded "clear and comprehensive information” over Tatunashvili's death.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has said Tatunashvili’s body will be buried in home soil.

Upon the request of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II Russian Patriarch Kirill has promised to mediate in the process of handing over Tatunashvili’s body to Tbilisi-administered territory in shortest period of time.

The United States, the European Union, many other countries and almost all international organisations have stated they are deeply concerned over the case and have urged Russia and the de-facto leadership to hand over the body and to not hinder a transparent investigation into the death.