Georgian woman detained by Russia-Controlled Forces Released
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Wednesday, October 10
Georgian woman, mother of three minors, Maia Otinashvili was released from illegal detention yesterday after the central Georgian government involved the diplomatic corps and the European Union Monitoring Mission in the “very grave issue.”
Otinashvili, 37, who was abducted from her own garden in the Khurvaleti village near the occupation line with breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region on 29 September, was sentenced to the 1-year conditional sentence by the Akhalgori court in the occupied territory.
Only after the trial, she was handed over to the representatives of the central Georgian government.
The Russia-controlled Tskhinvali leadership claimed that Otinashvili illegally crossed the “border” and she was aiding others “commit the illegality” on regular basis.
The de facto government also said that Otinashvili was taking money “for the service.”
Otinashvili’s family says that the woman was abducted from the Tbilisi-administered territory.
The government of Georgia has made several statements regarding the case, stated that it was the part of the Russian aggressive policy in Georgia and an “immoral act.”
Georgian Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili accompanied the woman to her family after her release.
Children told the media that “they felt horrible” and were waiting for the release of their mother.
The Russia-controlled forces frequently abduct Georgian citizens and release them after paying a fine, which amounts to 30-32 USD.
Russia occupied Tskhinvali region during the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
Another Georgian region occupied by Russians is Abkhazia in western Georgia.
