Following inquiries into this case, the EU Monitoring Mission expresses serious reservations about the circumstances surrounding the detention of South Ossetian resident Mr Gennady Pliev on the 4 January 2010.
Representatives of the EUMM have interviewed Mr Pliev twice, on 5 and 8 January. They met on 5 January with representatives of the de facto South Ossetian authorities at Ergneti, and again in Tskhinvali, before meeting members of Mr Pliev’s family and his neighbours. The EUMM also visited the spot where the de facto South Ossetian authorities alleged Mr Pliev had been abducted. The EUMM has also made inquiries of the relevant Georgian authorities.
Following careful consideration of all the available information the EUMM has serious doubts that Mr Pliev was abducted or that he was carrying a weapon at the time of his arrest.
The EUMM very much hopes that all sides will reflect carefully on this case. Ultimately, with goodwill, detainees on both sides should be able to return to their homes. The EUMM has repeatedly expressed the view that people who cross the administrative boundary lines should be dealt with by administrative, not judicial actions.
Media Contacts:
Steve Bird + 995 91 22 7055
Virginia Antonini + 995 91 22 70 24
