Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani echoed occupied Tskhinvali court`s decision which sentenced Vazha Gaprindashvili to one year and nine-months to prison earlier today.

As the minister says he will have immediate communication with co-chairs of Geneva International Discussions to activate the action plan Georgia had in the case of the bad scenario.

We actuated all available resources to the highest degree. All international organizations are involved in this process.

Today`s decision proves once again this was a delibarated provocation. We will have immediate communication with co-chairs of Geneva International Discussions. The action plan of the bad scenario we envisage regarding this case will be implemented.

We will do our best to release Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili.

Todays`s decision is categorically unacceptable, and inadmissible. This is a violation of international norms,’ Zalkaliani said.

Occupied Tskhinvali court sentenced Vazha Gaprindashvili to one year and nine-months to prison,’ David Asatiani, the Chairman of Georgian Bar Association said today.

‘Russian occupation forces punished Vazha Gaprindashvili for his principal and patriotic viewpoint and sentenced him to one year and nine-months to prison,’ Asatiani stated.

Occupied Tskhinvali court sentenced #Vazha #Gaprindashvili to one year and nine-months to prison https://t.co/ewUnTXPAKh

— 1tv.ge (@GPBroadcaster) December 20, 2019

Tbilisi-based doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili was illegally detained by Russian occupation forces near the occupation line with Akhalgori Municipality on November 9. He was sent to a two-month pretrial detention on November 15.

Vazha Gaprindashvili was charged with “illegally crossing the border” under article 322 of the criminal code of Russia.