(Tbilisi, September 10, 2003, Civil Georgia) – A UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) patrol was launched on September 7 to carry out a preliminary investigation of an incident regarding alleged maltreatment of locals and rape of women by four uniformed Abkhaz customs officers (of the Abkhaz defeacto government) in Tagiloni village, Gali district, on September 5-6.
UNOMIG reports there was evidence of the beating of locals by four to six armed persons!
in uniforms; however, the rape of women, as reported by the Georgian side, could not be confirmed and neither did any local report it to the patrol.
“The Georgian side has deliberately disseminated such a report to create a negative background and discredit Abkhaz customs officers,” he said.
The case will be discussed during the regular Quadripartite Meeting on 11 September 2003.