Georgian doctor’s illegal detention in Tskhinvali raised at 50th round of Geneva Int’l Discussions

Illegal detention and sentencing of a Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili in the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) was the key issue raised at the 50th Geneva International Discussions (GID) on December 10-11.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry reported that the co-chairs from European Union, United Nations and OSCE, as well as representatives from United States unanimously demanded Gaprindashvili’s “immediate release”.

• FM Zalklaiani discusses Georgian doctor’s detention in occupied Tskhinvali with OSCE chair

The Georgian delegation also spoke of recent grave security and human rights situation in occupied Tskhinvali and Abkhazia as well as their adjacent villages, including “frequent provocations” from Russia and its occupying regimes especially along the village of Chorchana.

GID Co-chairs and participants from Georgia and US “harshly criticised” the detention of European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) patrol on the Georgian government-controlled territory in late October as well.

Participants from Tbilisi also underscored that the recent death of Margo Martiashvili and deterioration of health conditions of Tamar Gigauri - both locals of Akhalgori district - are the consequences of restricted freedom of movement and access to healthcare along the occupation line. 

• One month following abduction of Georgian doctor, family announces radical steps

While discussing the ethnic cleansing of Georgians from both occupied regions and safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their original homes, representatives of Russia, Tskhinvali and Abkhazia, again left the negotiations.

The next round of Geneva International Discussions, which were launched in October 2008 to address the consequences of the Russia-Georgia war, will be held on March 31-April 1, 2020