Web Portal on Human Rights in Georgia

Russian soldiers kidnapped two shepherds – Batikadzes, father and son, from the pastures located close to Takhtidziri village in Kareli district. The kidnapped people have been returned home by now.

Interpresnews correspondent reports that Russian soldiers had detained the Batikadzes for several hours. They took the cattle too.

Finally, as a result of negotiations with Georgian law enforcement officers the shepherds were released together with their cattle.

Shalva Batikadze said they were arrested for the crossing of the so-called border. He said the soldiers showed him the map and said he had illegally crossed the border.

Residents of Takhtidziri village said this is the first fact of kidnap in their village since August war in 2008.