Georgian man detained near occupation line released

Russian Occupational forces have released a Georgian teenager, after he was taken as a hostage for allegedly crossing the so-called occupation line.

The 19-year-old Vasil Khidasheli was detained in the village Tsitelubani on December 20. Another Georgian citizen Aleksander Shiukashvili, who was also taken by Russian forces from the village Kirbali on the same day, still remained in captivity.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs released a special statement on this issue yesterday.

"On December 23 Vasil Khidasheli was released from illegal imprisonment, who was detained in Tsitelubani village, Gori district by Russian occupational forces on December 20,” the statement read.

"Ministry of Internal Affairs actively continues negotiations with regard to illegal imprisonment of Aleksandre Shiukashvili in order to release him. In connection with the mentioned fact EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia has been already informed through the "Hot Line,”” it said.

According to the official information of the so-called South Ossetia, throughout the last five months 197 facts of the so-called illegally crossing of the border were registered. In total, Georgian side paid 237,000 Rubles (8300 GEL) to the Tskhinvali side as a fine.