Georgian Citizen Illegally Detained by Russian Occupation Forces Released

2026-01-25 - 21:07

A Georgian citizen, who was illegally detained by Russian occupation forces, has been released and is in a Tbilisi-controlled territory, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) said on January 22. The detainee was identified by the Tskhinvali-based RES news agency as Gela Berianidze. As in a previous case, the SSSG did not reveal the person’s name or publish a photo of the release. The detention was reported today, along with the release. According to the SSSG, he was detained yesterday, January 21, near the occupied village of Tsinagara, close to the Tskhinvali occupation line. The agency thanked “all parties involved in the process for considering the detainee’s condition, best interests, and swift response.” “Georgia’s central government and the State Security Service continue active work to free all Georgian citizens illegally detained in occupied territories,” the SSSG added. Note: This article was updated on January 23 at 12:00 to include information on the identity of the detainee. Also Read: 31/12/2025 – Tamar Mearakishvili Released From Detention in Tskhinvali 30/09/2025 – 127th Ergneti IPRM Meeting