327 detained illegally by occupying forces in Georgia between 2017-19

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.

16 individuals have been illegally detained in 2019,” the State Security Service says.

The remaining 85 individuals have been detained for “illegally crossing” the so-called border between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia.

Four detentions have taken place in 2019,” the agency says.

Most of the individuals were released after paying a fine.

Only Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria have recognised the regions as independent states since the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, with the influence of Russia.

The rest of the international community says that the regions are occupied by Russia.