PM: Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili freed from UAE detention today; thank you to both for their dignity

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has commented on social media following the release of Georgian athletes Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili.

According to Kobakhidze, the authorities and judiciary of the United Arab Emirates reached a just decision in releasing the two fighters.

“As is known, Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili left the detention facility in the United Arab Emirates today. I want to thank Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili and Minister of Internal Affairs Sulkhan Tamazashvili, who immediately stepped in to coordinate efforts to ensure their rights were properly protected. Thank you also to those who covered the full cost of legal representation and the fines for Merab and Saba.

I would likewise like to thank the authorities of the United Arab Emirates for their attentiveness and fair administration of justice. They reached a fair decision both in releasing Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili and in dealing with those who attacked them in such a dishonourable manner. I thank Merab and Saba for their dignity and wish them every future success in their sporting careers!” Kobakhidze wrote.