EUMM issues “strong condemnation” after Georgian citizen dies following illegal arrest attempt by occupation forces

The European Union Monitoring Mission on Monday expressed its concern and condemned “in the strongest terms the use of force in any form” after a Georgian citizen died following an illegal arrest attempt by occupation forces on Monday.

The Mission confirmed the shooting of the citizen in the occupied territory, near the village of Kirbali in central Georgia’s Gori municipality, and extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the family of the deceased.

We condemn in the strongest terms the use of force in any form, and express our utmost concern over the deadly shooting incident. It is imperative that such incidents are prevented to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region”, the EUMM said.

It also called on “all parties involved” to prevent any further escalations, “exercise restraint and to take all necessary measures”, and noted the Mission was “closely monitoring” the situation while working to “diffuse tensions”, including through the extensive use of the EUMM-managed hotline to exchange information surrounding the shooting.

EUMM confirms shooting of Georgian citizen near the village of Kirbali

The EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) confirms that an incident occurred at the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line, resulting in the tragic loss of a Georgian citizen's life. We extend our… pic.twitter.com/x0qKN3IG30

— EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) November 6, 2023