Georgian boy released from illegal detention after negotiations with de facto Tskhinvali

An 18-year-old Georgian teenager who was kidnapped earlier today by Russian occupational soldiers has been released.

Mikheil Khubulashvili was detained earlier today from Jariasheni village, located near the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the rest of Georgia. He was released a short time ago after negotiations between officials from Tbilisi and de faco Tskhinvali.

News of Khubulashvili’s release was spread by the State Security Service of Georgia.

Khubulashvili, a resident of Jariasheni village in Gori Municipality in central Georgia, was detained despite being on Georgian-controlled territory, said locals.

The illegal detention of Georgian citizens by Russian guards is common practice near Tskhinvali ABL. Detainees are usually released once their family paid a fine.