Georgia celebrates fallen hero’s birthday today

Today is the birthday of Georgia’s national hero Giorgi Antsukhelidze, who heroically sacrificed his life for his country in the Russian-Georgian war of 2008. He would have turned 31 today.

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili went on social media today and dedicated a Facebook post in Antsukhelidze’s honour, stating "heroes never die”. 

"The day is full of sadness and pride at the same time,” he said. 

The day once again recalls his unprecedented devotion to his country. Such people have always empowered Georgia. Giorgi is the history of Georgia who ignites pride in our souls. I bow before his immortal memory,” Garibashvili wrote.

Antsukhelidze’s relatives, Defence Ministry officials and representatives of the Sergeant Training Centre named after the fallen hero gathered at Mukhatgverdi Brothers’ Cemetery today to pay their respects to the killed soldier. 

Deputy Defence Minister Besik Loladze emphasized Antsukhelidze was an honourable serviceman who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Defence Ministry officials gathered with Antsukhelidze's family to pay tribute to the fallen soldier. Photo by Ministry of Defence.

He showed Georgia and the whole world how one should love his country. He will always live in the hearts of each Georgian,” Loladze said. 

Antsukhelidze became a household name when videos of him being tortured were leaked on the internet immediately after the conflict. The two videos, which were circulated online, showed Antsukhelidze being interrogated and tortured by South Ossetian and Russian militants.

The footage showed militants interrogating Antsukhelidze, forcing him to kneel and ordering him to kiss the earth. The captured soldier was then repeatedly beaten after he replied to each question: "I have no idea". One of the offenders was then heard shouting in Ossetian: "Look, what a tough guy.”

Antsukhelidze was posthumously awarded the Order of National Hero by the Georgian Government in 2013.

Deputy Foreign Minister Besik Loladze shakes the hand of Antsukhelidze’s wife, who stands with her son. Photo by Defence Ministry.