Georgian soldier Archil Tatunashvili, who was brutally murdered by occupying forces in the Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region on February 20, 2018, would have turned 37 today.
Tatunashvili’s body was transported to the Tbilisi administered territory only about a month after he was taken hostage, with his internal organs removed and more than 100 injuries to his body.
State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia Ketevan Tsikhelashvili has visited Tatunashvili’s grave at the Mukhatgverdi Brother’s Cemetery in Tbilisi earlier today to pay honour to his memory.
We will always remember the story of his sacrifice and heroism. He gave up his life, the most precious thing for all human beings, for his homeland and dignity”, said Tsikhelashvili.
Archil Tatunashvili, 34 years old, brutally killed by occupying forces, would have turned 37 today. We remember & will always remember the story of his sacrifice and heroism. There is no higher value than human life and health. Glory to heroes! pic.twitter.com/b2RhLK07dG
— Keti Tsikhelashvili (@TsikhelashviliK) April 2, 2020
Major Sergeant Tatunashvili, who served in the Georgian army between 2007 and 2011, Ioseb Pavliashvili and Levan Kutashvili, were illegally detained by occupying forces on February 22, 2018.
The next day, Tskhinvali media reported that Tatunashvili “died because of heart-related problems.”
The two others were released after several days.
David Gurtsiev and Alik Tabuev, former employees of the so-called law enforcement agencies of Georgia’s occupied Tskhinvali region, were indicted by the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia in June 2018 and after several days the Georgian court said that they must be remanded into pre-trial detention.
In September 2018, Interpol issued a red notice for Gurtisev and Tabuev, who were charged with the murder of Tatunashvili, however they have not been detained so far.