The imprisonment of Zaza Gakheladze by occupied Tskhinvali to 12 years and 6 months was preceded by the wounding of Gakheladze by Russian occupation forces with a firearm and his detention, which resulted in several months of illegal detention on fabricated and absurd charges. Such a statement released today the State Security Service.

“The illegal decision of the so-called court of occupied Tskhinvali has once again demonstrated the inhuman and criminal essence of the processes accompanying the occupation, for which the entire responsibility lies with Russia as a force exercising effective control over the occupied territories.

From the very first day of Zaza Gakheladze’s illegal detention, the central Government has been using all available mechanisms. This issue has also been an important component of the agenda of our international partners. Every effort is being made to return Gakheladze, who is being held in illegal detention, to his family”, - reads the statement of the State Security Service.