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Intl Community Welcomes Doctor Gaprindashvili’s Release from Tskhinvali Custody

Photo: facebook.com/GeorgianGovernment

International community has welcomed the release of Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili from Tskhinvali custody.

Doctor Gaprindashvili, who was detained in mid-November, was recently sentenced to one year and nine months for “illegally crossing the border” in Russia-occupied Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia.

The United States Embassy to Georgia said they join all Georgians and the international community in welcoming Gaprindashvili home “to spend the holidays with his family.”

Noting that the U.S. “maintains its unwavering commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Embassy called on Moscow-backed Tskhinvali authorities to open crossing points along the occupation line and to allow freedom of movement for the local population and humanitarian access.

The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell also “very much” welcomed release of doctor Gaprindashvili “in time for the New Year.” At the same time, he recalled “the importance of taking immediate steps to reopen the crossing points” as well. 

The OSCE Secretary General, Thomas Greminger also wrote on Twitter that “further detentions should be avoided and freedom of movement guaranteed for all people, at all times.” 

Foriegn Minister of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs also welcomed and applauded the news on Gaprindashvili’s release. 

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