The occupation regime will be held responsible for all incidents, illegal restrictions on free movement and illegal detention, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili said at a government meeting, which was held in a video conference format.
The PM expressed his condolences on behalf of the government to the families and relatives of Georgian citizens who died while crossing the Enguri River.
“I want to respond to the tragic incident that took place yesterday, which claimed the lives of four of our citizens, residents of the occupied Gali district. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, I share their grief.
“I would like to point out that these people are also victims of this oppressive occupation, because, over the years, these illegal restrictions have not only aggravated their daily lives, but also claimed the lives of many of our citizens.
“This has happened in previous years too, unfortunately. The Russian occupation forces are still grossly violating the basic rights of our citizens, and the full responsibility lies with them, which is already legally recognized by the European Court of Human Rights. I want to make it clear that the occupation regime will be held responsible, with the involvement of our international partners, for all incidents, illegal restrictions on free movement and illegal detentions,” said Irakli Garibashvili.
Several citizens of Georgia, residents of the occupied Gali region, were trying to cross the occupation line in the vicinities of village Shamgona and Tagiloni village via the River Enguri, into the territory controlled by the central government of Georgia in order to avoid unlawful detentions established by the Russian occupation regime. All four of them died in the water.
By Ana Dumbadze
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