In a statement of October 1, the State Security Service of Georgia demanded the unconditional release of Irakli Bebua, an ethnic Georgian resident of Gali, who was arrested on September 30 by the Russian-backed authorities for burning the Abkhaz flag.
According to the statement, State Security Service has already informed the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), Geneva Talks Co-Chairs and other international partners on the case.
State Security Service stated that, through the EUMM-managed hotline, Moscow-backed authorities have confirmed the identity of the detainee as Irakli Bebua, who is currently in custody in the occupied Gali region, with his “health condition satisfactory and life not in danger.”
Laying full responsibility of Russia the illegal detainments in the occupied territories, SSG said “the mentioned process, managed by the occupation regime considerably damages security situation along the occupation line, as well as in the occupied territories and makes the everyday lives of the local residents more difficult.”
Irakli Bebua was arrested after he allegedly burned the Abkhaz flag, while “victory and independence day” celebrations were underway in Gali, causing a social media outrage with many calling for the man’s expulsion from the occupied region and with others going as far as calling for murder.
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