3 men detained by Russian border guards on Easter holidays

Three people were kidnapped yesterday in Georgia’s eastern municipality of Gori located near Russian occupied Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia).

They were detained for allegedly crossing the occupation line between Tskhinvali and the rest of Georgia while visiting cemeteries in observance of Easter holiday traditions.

On the Monday after Easter, Georgians go to cemeteries to pay tribute to their ancestors. However, those living along the occupation line meet with restrictions from those controlling the so-called border.

A lady lights a candle at the Tskhinvali-Ergneti de-facto border after rolling Easter eggs on the Tskhinvali ground. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Police took responsibility for the safety of those who visited the cemeteries near the occupation line; however, those who wanted to cross the line faced the usual restrictions.

Georgia: Easter behind barbed wire

The situation is the same the occupied Abkhazia as well.