Three Georgians released from illegal detention by Russian occupying forces

The State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia has announced the release of three Georgian citizens who were unlawfully detained by Russian occupying forces. Ilia Lutidze and Nika Mamastarashvili, detained near the village of Knolevi in the Kareli municipality, and Zurab Lobzhanidze, detained near occupied Akhalgori, are now free and back on territory controlled by the central government.

According to the SSS, the release was facilitated through active use of the European Union Monitoring Mission’s (EUMM) “hotline” mechanism, along with all relevant tools available to the Georgian government.

“The responsibility for all destructive actions carried out in the occupied regions and along the occupation line lies with the occupying forces,” stated the SSS.

The central government, in collaboration with its international partners, continues to work diligently to secure the release of all Georgian citizens who remain unlawfully detained in the occupied territories.