Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Citizen Released After Detention Along Tskhinvali Occupation Line
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) said a Georgian citizen detained by Russian occupation forces near the village of Perevi in Sachkhere municipality has been released and returned to territory controlled by Tbilisi.
The SSSG did not identify the individual, but the Res news agency in the occupied Tskhinvali region reported that the man was 59-year-old Merab Gabadze, who was detained on July 26 for what it described as an "unintentional crossing" of the occupation line.
The SSSG said Georgian authorities used all available channels to secure his release, including the European Union Monitoring Mission's (EUMM) hotline.
"The central government used all relevant tools at its disposal to secure the release of the illegally detained Georgian citizen, including the 'hotline' operated by the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM)," the agency said.
The SSSG added that it continues efforts to secure the release of all Georgian citizens detained in the occupied territories.
According to the agency's latest annual report, 34 cases of illegal detention were recorded in the occupied Tskhinvali region in 2025, while 40 cases were reported in occupied Abkhazia.
Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze Resigns Over Health Issues
Georgian Dream Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze has resigned, citing health reasons.
In a resignation letter published on July 28 on the Ministry of Culture's official Facebook page, Rukhadze said she made the decision after consulting with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
"Due to my health condition, I will need to undergo an urgent course of treatment, which will prevent me from properly fulfilling my duties as minister," she wrote. She did not provide further details.
Rukhadze said she regretted leaving the position, adding, "Culture is a field that requires special care and attention, and I regret that my health does not allow me to devote the necessary attention to the work that I love so much and that is most precious to me."
She thanked Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, members of the government and Culture Ministry staff for their support, saying she would remain their "supporter" and wished them success.
Rukhadze was appointed culture minister on October 18, 2024, ahead of the October 26 parliamentary elections. She succeeded Tea Tsulukiani, who left the post to take a seat in parliament.
