The Georgian State Security Service says that illegal detention of Georgian citizens by the Russian-controlled occupation forces for so-called ‘illegally crossing the border’ is a common issue since Russia-Georgia 2008.
Since 2008, every year, the Russian-controlled occupation forces have detained Georgian citizens illegally,” the agency stated earlier today.
The State Security Service said that last year occupation forces illegally detained 64 Georgian citizens.
Russia redoubled its occupation efforts during the pandemic. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
The agency said that the rallies which are held at occupation rallies protesting the illegal detention of Georgian citizens ‘are legitimate’. However, they may be used by the occupation forces to spark tension and may pose threats to security and police personnel on the ground.
Any rally protesting the illegal detention of Georgian citizens which may pose threats to Georgian security infrastructure and police units at the crossing points are in the interests of the occupation forces,” said the agency.
The State Security Service said that the rally organisers ‘must consider’ the issues which are important for public and state security.
Illegally detained Georgian citizens are mostly released after their families pay a fine.
However, there have been several cases of Georgian citizens dying while in detention.
The standard fine is 2,000 Russian rubles ($27 USD).
Russia recognised the Georgian regions of Tskhinvali and Abkhazia as independent states in the wake of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.