New Series of Detentions in Gali Region

The nut season in the Gali region has begun, along with the expected frequent attacks and harassment of the peaceful Georgian people who live and work there. This week, Abkhazian Militia units have entered various villages in the area several times already.

On the 2nd September, early in the morning nearly 40 armed Abkhazians entered the village of Sofchai in the Gali region. It borders with the villages of Sidi and Nabakevi. According to the local residents, the Abkhazians detained nearly 30 Georgian men. They also said that Otar Tunanba, Deputy Chief of the Gali Abkhazian Militia was not among them that day. None of the family members of the detainees know why this happened and they all say they had their documents in order.

As for the robberies, according to Merab Gergaia, head of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Police Department within the Interior Ministry, the number of crimes has been reduced in comparison with last year. However as the nut harvest begins, the Georgian population of the Gali district faces danger once more. Gergaia noted that they had detained 87 criminals over the last 7 months. He said these people used to commit crimes both in the Zugdidi and Gali regions.

The nut harvest always means a risk for the Georgian population of the Gali District. This year has turned out to be no exception. The fate of the detained people might become known at a later date.

Nato Berulava, Zugdidi