Resolution on the Georgian citizens Tamaz Ginturi killed and Levan Dotiashvili abducted by the Russian occupation forces in the occupied Tskhinvali region of Georgia

The European Parliament adopted by 495 votes to 7, with 50 abstentions, a resolution on the Georgian citizens Tamaz Ginturi killed and Levan Dotiashvili abducted by the Russian occupation forces in the occupied Tskhinvali region of Georgia.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.

Russia continues its illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia in violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008.

The Russian occupiers exercise impunity for the brutal murder of internally displaced Georgian citizens.

Parliament strongly condemned the murder of Tamaz Ginturi and the illegal abduction of Levan Dotiashvili. It called for a thorough investigation into this and other murders and demanded that those responsible be held accountable and brought to justice.

The resolution reiterated its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. On the other hand, it strongly condemned Russia’s illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and the continued illegal ‘borderisation’ and ‘passportisation’ activities in those regions. Parliament urged Russia to fully implement the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 and unconditionally withdraw all occupational forces.

Moreover, the release of all Georgian citizens in the illegal custody of the occupation regime is demanded. The Council is called on to create an EU sanctions list, taking into account the Otkhozoria-Tatunashvili List, and to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for violations of Georgian sovereignty, territorial integrity and human rights.