Russian occupation forces illegally arrest former Georgian soldier

Russian occupation forces have illegally arrested former Georgian soldier Levan Machabeli in Gori municipality.

Born in 1987, Machabeli served in the Georgian armed forces from 2005 to 2009 and also took part in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.

The de facto Security Committee of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region said Machabeli was arrested on March 26.

The State Security Service of Georgia confirmed the arrest on Thursday, saying they had activated the EUMM hotline and informed the international partners, including the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions.

The Georgian Security Service said the central government of the country was using ‘all available mechanisms’ to ensure the release of the illegally arrested Georgian citizen.