Bestaev, who is undergoing treatment in Georgian-Dutch hospital in Tbilisi now, is in critical condition. 

The central Georgian government has been demanding his release since the day of his illegal detention. 

However, along with ‘illegally crossing the border,’ the de facto government of Tskhinvali also charged him with drug trafficking and sentenced Bestaev to three years in prison. 

Radio Liberty says that doctor, Vazha Gaprindashvili, who was also illegally detained by the occupation forces back in 2019, was the first who received the information on Bestaev’s health via a message from Tskhinvali prison. 

The Georgian State Security Service says that they have used all measures to ensure Bestaev’s transportation to Tbilisi, noting that the illegal detention of Georgian citizens by the occupation forces not only violates their rights, but also creates threats to their life and health. 

The agency stated that Russia ‘is fully responsible’ for all human rights violations in Georgia’s currently occupied Tskhinvali and Abkhazia regions.