DRI states that the detention and search were carried out “without any basis” and Russian-occupied South Ossetian KGB claimed that the purpose of the operation was the “seizure of weapons and drugs.”

The detainee lives alone in the village of Midelaani and is engaged in agricultural activities and cattle breeding, while his family is currently on Tbilisi-controlled territory. 

“About 20 people live in the village of Midelaani. There is a Russian military base near the village. The search and temporary detention of the man indicate an intensification of the Russian repressive policy, the ultimate goal of this is to empty the villages of Akhalgori Municipality through intimidation,” - the DRI reports.

The Democracy Research Institute calls on the Georgian government to pay due attention to the situation in Georgian occupied territories and to intensify efforts to stop the policy of violating the rights and intimidation of the local population remaining in Akhalgori.

Georgia lost control over Akhalgori after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.The Democracy Research Institute calls on the Georgian government to pay due attention to the situation in Georgian occupied territories and to intensify efforts to stop the policy of violating the rights and intimidation of the local population remaining in Akhalgori.

Georgia lost control over Akhalgori after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.