IPRM meeting to discuss release of illegally detained Georgian citizens, developments along occupation line

Release of Georgian citizens illegally detained by Russian occupation forces and developments along the occupation line in Georgia will be in focus of the next meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, a platform for discussions between Georgian Government officials and de facto authorities in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region of central Georgia, on Thursday.

Hosted in the central Georgian village of Ergneti, the meeting will discuss “all incidents” that have taken place in or adjacent to the occupied region since the previous meeting, as well as eight cases of illegal borderisation in Gori and Kareli municipalities of central Georgia, Irakli Antadze, the Deputy Head of the Information and Analytical Department of the State Security Service of the country, said.

There have been facts of digging of fire protection pits and installation of iron poles in several sections. As for illegal detentions, six citizens have been illegally detained”, he said.

On September 10, [the Russian occupation forces] arrested two foreign citizens. Citizens of Tajikistan have already been released. [A] [f]ather and son [...] were also arrested. The father, who is elderly, has been released. Currently, 10 Georgian citizens remain in detention”, the official added.

Antadze also said efforts were ongoing to ensure release of all Georgian nationals “as soon as possible”.