“The most heinous act took place in the Russia-occupied territory near the village of Kirbali, Gori Municipality-following an attempt of illegal detention, a Georgian citizen was killed by a representative of the Russian occupant forces with a firearm,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday.

According to the PM, “This incident reaffirms the dire security situation on the ground and bears witness to the severe consequences of occupation; unfortunately, along with the Georgian Government, peaceful citizens are also forced to deal with these consequences.”

“I extend my condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased and join them in grieving over this tragedy. At this time of sorrow, the state is standing by them.

With regard to this incident, all relevant mechanisms have been set in motion, and international partners are duly informed. Active work is underway to ensure the prompt release of another Georgian citizen illegally detained by the occupant forces.

We urge the international community to duly assess and respond to the incident and call on the occupation regime’s representatives to cooperate with all parties in order to identify and punish the culprit,” reads the statement.