In Georgia, the State Security Service confirmed on Thursday, March 31, that Russian occupation forces have illegally detained a Georgian citizen nearby the occupied village of Zemi Artsevi.
The Security Service activated the European Union Monitoring mission hotline following the arrest. The case has also been shared with international partners, notably the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions.
Moreover, the Security Service dismissed the rumors that the unlawfully detained man was a military official on active duty.
According to the statement, Georgia’s central Government is using “all possible mechanisms” to guarantee that the illegally detained persons are released immediately.
Near the occupation line, the unlawful detention of Georgian civilians is a common practice, and detainees are generally freed when their families pay a fine.
However, there have been many instances of Georgian residents dying while in custody.
Following the 2008 Russo-Georgian conflict, Russia recognized the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent states.
Furthermore, only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria have taken a similar step of recognition so far.
The rest of the global community claims that Russia occupies Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and urges Russia to withdraw its soldiers from the Georgian territory.
Last month, the authorities also emphasized the dangers of unlawful ‘borderisation’ and the safety of local residents along the occupation line.
