Georgian PM: ‘we are working 24 hours a day to release illegally detained doctor’

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has stated that government agencies are working in a 24-hour regime to achieve the release of illegally detained famous Georgia doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili by occupation forces.

We are taking all steps for the release of the doctor in synchrony with our international partners,” Gakharia said, adding that “everyone should consider the specificity of the issue and think twice before spreading any information around the case.”

 Gaprindashvili was abducted by occupation forces, near the Russian-controlled Tskhinvali region, on November 9 and has been sentenced to two-month pretrial detention for “deliberately crossing the border,” as the doctor refused to sign a paper which reads that he “crossed the border.”

Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili has met with the family of Vazha Gaprindashvili for the second time earlier today, informing them regarding the government's steps taken for the release of the doctor. 

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has raised the issue with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, acting chair of OSCE Miroslav Lajcak, Deputy Secretary General of UN Rosemary DiCarlo and Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoana, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported yesterday.

A number of officials and organisations, including President Salome Zurabishvili and the United States Embassy to Georgia, have expressed their support to Gaprindashvili.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry said on November 16 that they are doing their best to ensure the safe return of the doctor.