Russian occupation forces illegally arrest Georgian citizen

The Security Service denied the ongoing speculations that the illegally arrested individual was an active duty military official. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Agenda.ge, 31 Mar 2022 - 23:17, Tbilisi,Georgia

Russian occupation forces have illegally arrested a Georgian citizen near the occupied village of Zemo Artsevi, the Georgian State Security Service confirmed on March 31.

Following the arrest, the Security Service activated the European Union Monitoring Mission hotline. International partners, including the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions, have also been informed about the case.

The Security Service denied the ongoing speculations that the illegally arrested individual was an active duty military official.

The statement noted the central government of Georgia was using “all available mechanisms” to ensure an immediate release of the illegally arrested individuals.

The illegal detention of Georgian citizens is a common issue near the occupation line, and the detainees are usually released after their families pay a fine.

However, there have been several cases of Georgian citizens dying while in arrest.

Russia recognised the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent states in the wake of the Russo-Georgian war in 2008.

Only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria have taken the same step of recognition so far.

The rest of the international community asserts that the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions are occupied by Russia and urges the country to withdraw its troops from the Georgian territory.