Georgian man, elderly woman kidnapped near occupied Tskhinvali

Russian occupying forces are continuing to creep deeper into Georgian soil and kidnapping locals living near the so-called Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with Georgia’s breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.

Over the weekend Russian border guards kidnapped two people from Tchvrinisi village in the eastern Kareli region, located near the Russian controlled area.

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) exclusively told Agenda.ge the victims were accused of allegedly crossing the so-called border.

One of the kidnapped victims was 79-year-old Lali Kharazishvili and her neighbour Avtandil Asanidze, 52.  

Locals in the village said the pair were detained by border guards as they searched for cattle near the occupation line.

They were looking for cattle. As it appeared a cow gave a birth about 10-20 metres outside the [Georgian-controlled] territory … and the Russians immediately took them to Tskhinvali,” local man Iuri Kharazishvili told Rustavi 2 television. 

It is understood the detainees could be released later today after they pay a fine as punishment for "committing an illegal action”. 

Kareli region Governor Zaza Guliashvili told Rustavi 2 the kidnapped individuals had relatives who lived in occupied Tskhinvali, who passed on a message to the families in Tchvrinisi village that the woman and man would be released later today. 

Since the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, Russia has continued to violate international laws and human rights, which included kidnapping Georgian citizens near the disputed territory. 

Breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and Abkhazia are inseparable parts of Georgia that are recognised by the international community.