EU Special Representative to South Caucasus expresses relief as Tatunashvili’s body is returned to family

The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar has released a statement on his official Twitter page about the return of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili’s body to his family 26 days after his death in unclear circumstances in occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.

Thanking everyone involved in this process, Klaar said he will further continue to follow developments related to this tragic death.

Relieved to learn that the body of Archil Tatunashvili was finally transferred to his relatives. Grateful to all those involved in this process. Will continue to follow developments related to this tragic death

— Toivo Klaar (@ToivoKlaar) March 21, 2018

Tatunashvili and two other Georgian citizens were detained in the occupied Akhalgori area by Russia-controlled border guards on February 22.

Tatunashvili was reported dead the next day, while Levan Kutashvili and Ioseb Pavliashvili, who were detained with Tatunashvili, were only able to leave the occupied region on March 11 because their documents had been confiscated.

• Read also: Georgian autopsy underway to reveal reasons behind Tatunashvili’s death

Yesterday the parliament of Georgia adopted a joint resolution on Tatunashvili’s case.

The resolution condemns Russia’s actions in the occupied territories of Georgia, makes a series of demands on Russia and envisages the creation of a sanctions list of individuals who have violated the rights of Georgian citizens in the occupied regions.