The de facto authorities of South Ossetia try to intimidate the local population with arrests and various charges in order to achieve more obedience.
A few days ago, one of the teachers of the Georgian secondary school of Akhalgori was detained by law enforcement officers and taken to Tskhinvali for questioning. As the Democracy Research Institute learned, the detainee was deprived of the mobile phone and personal belongings. In addition, a search was conducted in the detainee’s house, as well as in the house located next door, the owner of which does not currently live in Akhalgori and the house has been closed for a long time.
It should also be noted that the teacher is not distinguished by public or political activism and has never criticized the de facto government openly.
According to the Tskhinvali media reports, the teacher was arrested on charges of collaborating with the Georgian security forces and providing information about the Russian military unit to the Georgian side.
Similar incidents create fear and panic among the local population. At the same time, they have a sense of insecurity and fear that they may be the next victim.
The Democracy Research Institute calls on the Georgian authorities to:
Use all international mechanisms to stop the illegal detentions of the local population remaining in Akhalgori.
The case of
former de facto deputies of South Ossetia’s de facto parliament, David Sanakoyev,
Garry Muldarov and Dzambolat Medoyev, who are appealing the decision to revoke
their citizenship of the Russian Federation, remains unresolved to date.
To silence critical media, “Georgian Dream” tries to use financial sanctions. Following several television, online and radio broadcasters, regional media have now also been affected.
Issuance of movement permits, required for travel within and beyond Akhalgori district, has been resumed.
