28-year-old Georgian citizen illegally detained by occupation forces released
Zakaria Butkhuzi was illegally detained by occupation forces on November 6. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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A 28-year-old Georgian citizen, Zakaria Butkhuzi, who was detained by occupation forces earlier this week, has been released, the Georgian State Security Service reports.
Butkhuzi was illegally detained by occupation forces near Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region “for illegally crossing the border.”
He was detained near the village of Kveshi in Gori Municipality, close to the occupation line.
His father said the young man was located on their plot of land when he was detained.
The illegal detention of Georgian citizens by Russian occupation forces near the occupation line is a common issue. Detainees are usually released after their family pays a fine.
The standard fine is 2000 Russian rubles (about €28 / $31 USD).
Russia recognised the Georgian regions of Tskhinvali and Abkhazia as independent states in the wake of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
The occupying forces in the two Russia-controlled Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) have detained 327 Georgian citizens for “illegally crossing the border” between 2017 and 2019, the Georgian State Security Service says. The agency reports that 242 of 327 were detained for “illegally crossing the border” between Georgia and its eastern occupied Tskhinvali region.
A 28-year-old Georgian citizen, Zakaria Butkhuzi, has been allegedly detained for “illegally crossing the border” near the Russian-occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions call for “the immediate re-opening of all crossing points” on the administrative boundary line with the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.
Occupation forces have appeared near the village of Khurvaleti, close to Tbilisi-controlled territory, and are digging into land on the slope overlooking the village, Radio Liberty reports, citing local resident Luda Salia who released a video depicting the process late yesterday.
Poland has expressed concern regarding the closure of crossing points by occupation forces between Georgia and its Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region and the temporary detention of the EU monitors near the occupation line last month. Polish Foreign Ministry said that Poland continues to “strongly support” the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within the borders recognised by the international community.
Russian occupation forces have illegally detained a citizen of the village of Bershueti in the Gori municipality today. The Georgian State Security Service has confirmed detention of a Georgian woman.
A citizen of the village of Bershueti in the Gori Municipality, who was illegally detained by Russian occupation forces on March 5, 2020, has been released today, the Georgian State Security Service reports.