“The whole state deploys all possible means and uses all available formats to release Zaza Gakheladze as soon as possible,” said Zurab Abashidze, Georgian PM’s Special Representative for Russia.

Zurab Abashidze responded whether the issue of Zaza Gakheladze, unlawfully detained by Tskhinvali occupation forces, would be on the agenda at the Abashidze-Karasin meeting. At the same time, Georgian journalists also asked PM’s special envoy about the plans of Gakheladze’s father to move to the occupied territory to surrender.

“This man met with the Prime Minister today. The whole state deploys all possible means and uses all available formats to release Zaza Gakheladze as soon as possible, including the format that you mentioned,” Zurab Abashidze said.

Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison by the de facto Supreme Court of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region. Zaza Gakheladze, a local of the Kvemo Chala village, Kaspi municipality, was detained and wounded in his leg at Skhvilo Fortress on July 11. The occupation regime charged Gakheladze for an attempt to cross the so-called border illegally and for the attempted murder of a Russian soldier.