Two Georgians illegally detained by Russian occupation forces released

Kakha Tsevelidze and Giorgi Chitadze, who were illegally detained by Russian occupation forces near the village of Dirbi in Georgia’s Kareli Municipality on February 16, 2025, have been released and are now on government-controlled territory, according to the State Security Service of Georgia (SSS).

The release process involved active engagement with international mechanisms, including the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) hotline, as well as all relevant diplomatic tools available to the Georgian government.

The SSS reports that the Georgian government continues efforts to secure the release of all Georgian citizens still held in illegal detention in the occupied territories. Russia’s ongoing detentions of Georgian citizens near the occupation line remain a significant issue, with Tbilisi consistently condemning these actions as violations of international law and seeking further international support.