On November 6, 2023, the State Security Service of Georgia disseminated information about the killing of a Georgian citizen as a result of shooting by the Russian occupying forces during an attempt to illegally detain him and the illegal detention of another citizen in the occupied territory near the village of Kirbali, Gori municipality.

The Public Defender calls on the authorities of Georgia, as well as international human rights and monitoring organizations, to make maximum efforts to ensure effective investigation of the above-mentioned fact, to punish criminals and to hold the Russian Federation responsible.

The mentioned grave violation of human rights is a consequence of the impunity of the murderers of four Georgian citizens: Davit Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria, Archil Tatunashvili and Irakli Kvaratskhelia, responsibility for which rests with the Russian Federation. In addition, the occupation regime continues the practice of illegal detention of persons for crossing the so-called border. The impunity of such actions puts the citizens of Georgia in particular danger.

The Public Defender expresses deep sorrow and offers condolences to the family members of the deceased.