Occupation forces illegally arrest Georgian citizen in Gori municipality

Russian occupation forces have illegally arrested Georgian citizen Mamuka Chkhikvadze near Zemo Nikozi village in Gori municipality earlier today.

The State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia reported that the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) have been informed about the case.

The central government of Georgia is using all available mechanisms for the immediate release of Georgian citizens illegally arrested by Russian occupation forces, SSS wrote.

• Occupation forces illegally arrest two Georgian citizens

The occupation forces illegally arrested two other Georgian citizens near de-facto Tskhinvali on December 10. 

The illegal detention of Georgian citizens is a common issue near the occupation line, and the detainees are usually released after their families pay a fine.

However, there have been several cases of Georgian citizens dying while in arrest.

Russia recognised the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states in the wake of the Russo-Georgian war in 2008.

Only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria have taken the same step of recognition so far.

The rest of the international community asserts that Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions are occupied by Russia and urge the country to withdraw its troops from the Georgian territory.