Georgian Citizen Killed, Another Kidnapped by Russian Occupying Forces
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
The State Security Service of Georgia has stated that Russian occupiers opened fire near the village of Kirbali in Gori Municipality, resulting in the death of one Georgian citizen and the kidnapping of another.
"On November 6, 2023, within the occupied territory near the village of Kirbali in the Gori municipality, a Georgian citizen died as a result of gunfire by Russian occupying forces while attempting an illegal arrest of a local resident. Additionally, another citizen was unlawfully arrested. The central government of Georgia is currently engaged in active communication, utilizing all available resources," the State Security Service's statement reads.
Consequently, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia launched an investigation into the murder of a Georgian citizen and the kidnapping of another individual.
"An investigation has been launched under Articles 109 and 143 of the Criminal Code, relating to intentional murder and illegal deprivation of liberty. Law enforcement officers are conducting investigative procedures concerning the matter," the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
In a follow-up statement, the State Security Service noted that the Georgian government has requested a technical meeting set for November 6. Representatives from the Russian occupation forces, the occupied Tskhinvali region, and the EU monitoring mission will participate in this meeting.
"In response to the murder of a Georgian citizen by the Russian occupation forces, the central government's representatives promptly requested a technical meeting to be held on November 6 of this year. This meeting will include participation from the representatives of the Russian occupation forces, the occupied Tskhinvali region, and the EU monitoring mission.
This incident stands as another alarming manifestation of the criminal actions of the Russian occupying forces within the framework of the occupation, for which the occupying power bears full responsibility.
The central government of Georgia is demanding the punishment of all individuals responsible for the violation of a Georgian citizen's life and the immediate release of the illegally detained Georgian citizen through all international channels," State Security Service's statement reads.
