Occupation forces illegally arrest two Georgian citizens in Khashuri municipality

Russian occupation forces have illegally arrested two Georgian citizens near the village of Lopani in Khashuri municipality, the State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia reported today. 

The state body says that there is ‘constant communication’ through the hotline regarding the issue, adding that the European Union monitoring mission (EUMM) in Georgia and the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions ‘have been informed.’

• Four unlawfully detained Georgian citizens released

The State Security Service, together with its international partners, is actively involved in the ongoing efforts for the immediate release of Georgian citizens,” the statement reads. 

Four Georgian citizens of seven illegally imprisoned by Russian occupation forces were released on December 24, though as of today, five Georgian citizens remain in illegal custody in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.

• Georgian citizens illegally arrested by occupation forces denied bail

The illegal arrest of Georgians is a common issue near the occupation line. Usually, those arrested are released once their families pay a fine.

Russia declared the independence of Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions on August 26, 2008, following the Russia-Georgia war. 

• Occupation forces illegally arrest four Georgian citizens in Gori municipality

However, only four other countries – Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria – share Russia’s position regarding the occupied Georgian territories’ status, while the rest of the international community maintains that the regions are being occupied by Russia.