22-year-old Mamuka Gatserelia, a Georgian citizen and Azovstal defender in Ukraine, has been sentenced to life in prison in the occupied Donetsk region for the alleged “killing of three Russian soldiers”.

Gatserelia was captured in May 2022 in Mariupol. He was found guilty under Article 317 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation [attempt on the life of a serviceman with the purpose of obstructing the legitimate activity of the said person in ensuring public safety], and Part 3 of Article 359 [participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict].

Mamuka Gatserelia’s mother, Dali Chkheidze, asks for help.

“It has been 2 years since he surrendered. At the verdict yesterday, we learned that he was sentenced to life. They didn’t tell us where he is, in which prison. I heard that they told him to tell us that they treat Georgians well. In terms of health, he said that he is doing well, but I don’t think that it is true. Anyone who can, please, support and help us. Help us to save the life of our child. We know that he will not survive there, he will not have a good day there”, - said Dali Chkheidze.

Mamuka Gatserelia served in the Georgian Defense Forces until the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In March 2022, 20-year-old Mamuka volunteered to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He had a signed contract with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and was officially enlisted as a rifleman in the Foreign Volunteer Legion of the Ukrainian Army.