Two Georgians freed from illegal detention by Russian occupation forces

Georgian citizens Lasha Khetereli and Ucha Jokhadze, illegally detained by Russian occupation forces last year, have been released, the State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia reported on Friday. Both men are now on territory controlled by the central government.

Khetereli was detained near the village of Gugutiantkari on July 3, 2023, while Jokhadze was detained near Tsitelubani on September 10, 2023.

The SSS underlined that the release was facilitated through the EU Monitoring Mission’s hotline and other diplomatic efforts.

“The responsibility for all destructive actions carried out in the occupied regions of Georgia and along the occupation line rests with the occupying forces. The central government, together with international partners, continues to actively work towards the release of all Georgian citizens unlawfully detained in the occupied territories,” the statement from the State Security Service reads.