The State Security Service released the first comment made by Doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili, released by the occupational regime.

The doctor said that his release was unexpected. He also thanked everybody involved in the process.

“I did not expect what happened today. The sitting into my case was scheduled for December 31 at Appeals Court. I am in emotions at present. I want to thank everybody who brought my situation close to the heart: the government, parliament, police, and security service. Thanks to my beautiful wife and wonderful children. I want to thank my friends who supported me for the last one month and a half. Many thanks to everybody,” Gaprindashvili said.

The occupied Tskhinvali court sentenced Vazha Gaprindashvili to one year and nine-months to prison during the trial on December 20.

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 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.