Georgian Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Tea Akhvlediani says that six Georgian citizens remain illegally arrested by Russian-controlled occupation forces in the de facto Tskhinvali region. 

She said that the central government has used all levers, including informing the international community, from the very first day of illegal detention to ensure the release of the individuals. 

“The hot line has been activated. The European Union Monitoring Mission has been informed and we are in constant communication with our partners to ensure the release of the people,” Akhvlediani said.  

The illegal arrest of Georgian citizens near the occupation line is a common practice by de facto authorities of both Tskhinvali and Abkhazia regions.  In most cases the detainees are released after paying a fine.  

However, there have been several cases when an individual was released after several-months of negotiations, or died in unclear circumstances while in a detention facility.