Two Georgian citizens, who were unlawfully detained by the Russian occupation forces near Akhalubani village in the Gori municipality, Tamaz Psitidze and Zurab Petriashvili, have been freed and are now on the territory controlled by the central government, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) reported.

“Upon receiving information about the illegal detentions, immediate action was taken, including activating the hotline and utilizing all available central government mechanisms. The incident was also reported to the Geneva International Discussions co-chairs and international partners. The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) was involved in the process,” the SSG said.

The State Security Service emphasizes that responsibility for any destructive actions carried out in the occupied regions of Georgia and along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) lies with the occupation force.

“The central government, in cooperation with international partners, remains committed to actively working towards the release of all Georgian citizens unlawfully detained in the occupied territories,” the SSG added.